About this job

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA.

Serco has made significant contributions at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands, supporting a wide range of space missions and projects. Serco has provided essential engineering, technical, and management services, playing a key role in logistics and operational support for missions. Serco’s expertise in spacecraft management, ground systems and data processing has earned them recognition, including ‘Best in Domain’ awards from ESA. Their long-standing partnership with ESA reflects their commitment to excellence and innovation in the space sector.

We are looking for a dynamic Ground Segment Engineer to join our team at the esteemed ESA-ESTEC site in the Netherlands. Step into a remarkable role that grants you access to one of the globe’s highly coveted space agencies!

Responsibilities

• Coordinating the definition of the mission operations concept and of the ground system architecture and interfaces.
• Preparing and maintaining the requirements for the ground segment and ensure a coherent flow-down to the relevant ground segment components.
• Ensuring the coherency between the space segment and ground segment developments.
• Monitoring the definition and implementation of the spacecraft-to-ground interfaces and performing their verification.
• Supporting the definition and ensure end-to-end coordination of the activities related to Payload Mission Planning as needed by users, implemented on-board in the space segment and on-ground in the Mission Planning System facility.
• Defining and executing the overall ground segment verification activities, including interfaces to the spacecraft while on ground, and coordinating the generation of relevant and suitable test data sets.
• Supporting the definition and execution of the in-orbit system validation during the Commissioning Phase (including pre- and post-launch L1 and L2 calibration/validation activities).
• Supporting the handover of the system to the Mission Manager for phase E2 (routine operations phase).
• Supporting the organization of ESA-level ground segment reviews and supporting other Project reviews as necessary.
• Supporting the Satellite Manager for reporting tasks (to e.g. Mission Advisory Group, DOSTAG).

On offer

• Flexible working policy (hybrid working)
• Comprehensive and competitive benefits plan
• A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs
• Casual dress code

Relocation:

The Netherlands’ central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe’s busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel. Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.

DE&I

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Serco is based on a culture where every voice is heard and every employee feels valued. Working together as one team, we can enhance the experience of our people and teams, improve the value of our solutions to better serve the missions of our customers, and make an impact in our world.

Profile

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Physics, Engineering or Computer Science.
• At least 4 years of relevant post Masters experience.
• Demonstrated and substantiated expertise in defining, integrating, and validating ground systems.
• Proven and substantial experience in preparing and executing satellite in-orbit commissioning.
• Confirmed and reliable experience in coordinating tasks across multiple teams and organizations.
• Proficient understanding of ground segment components, with a focus on flight operations, mission planning, ground stations, and data processing/archiving/distribution.
• Working knowledge of satellite on-board components, particularly in command and control, data handling, and communications to the ground.
• Extensive experience in interacting with various stakeholders, including engineers and scientists.
• A good level of autonomy and organizing skills is required.
• Comfortable with working in a diverse and multinational team environment.
• Proficient in the English language, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of another EU member state language is an asset.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.

DE&I:

Within Serco we believe there is a place here for everyone. Diversity & Inclusion at Serco is based on a culture where every voice is heard, and every employee feels valued. Working together as one team, we can enhance the experience of our people and teams, improve the value of our solutions to better serve the missions of our customers, and make a difference in our world. We are enthusiastic and passionate about our work which is infectious. We allow our employees to take responsibility for their work and promote a positive working culture.

What we offer:

• Competitive Salary.
• Comprehensive package of benefits offered by the company.
• Assistance with relocation can be provided, details available upon request.
• Engaging company events to foster team spirit.
• Reimbursement of public transport expenses.
• Access to a variety of sports and recreational activities at ESTEC Escape Recreation Centre.
• Company contribution towards a pension scheme.