VN 25/60 System Operations Engineer

EUMETSAT operates a growing fleet of Earth Observation satellites in Low Earth and Geostationary orbits (currently comprising EUMETSAT Meteosat Second and Third Generation and Metop First and Second Generation satellites, Copernicus Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-6 satellites). In parallel, EUMETSAT is working towards the launch of a number of future missions, including the EUMETSAT Polar System – Sterna (EPS-Sterna). This is a new constellation of microsatellites that will each carry a state-of-the-art microwave sounder. The initial constellation is composed of 6 satellites in sun-synchronous orbit.

Initially reporting to the EPS-Sterna Operations Preparation manager, in the Programme, Preparation and Development (PRD) department, the successful candidate will provide system operations engineering and coordination expertise within the EPS-Sterna operational preparation team.

After the successful handover of the first constellation of 6 EPS-Sterna satellites to the Operations Department, the post holder will be reassigned to the Real Time Services and System Operation (RSO) division within the Operations department to conduct routine system operations for the EPS-Sterna missions, in parallel to supporting the transition of recurring/future satellites into operations.

• Support to the definition and maintenance of the EPS-Sterna mission operations concepts and operational scenarios,
• Provide EPS-Sterna related inputs to the Operation Service Specification;
• Support the planning, preparation and execution of EPS-Sterna system and facility level operational validation activities including coordination of the validation of the full end-to-end services;
• Coordinate and perform the development and validation of the EPS-Sterna ground segment operational documentation including partner interfaces;
• Support the definition, configuration and implementation of EPS-Sterna end-to-end service monitoring;
• Support EPS-Sterna pre-launch system preparations including operations training, rehearsals and establishing the system launch configuration;

• Coordinate EPS-Sterna system operations during LEOP and commissioning phases leading to the handover and start of routine operations;
• Provide system operations engineering expertise and coordinate the operations of EUMETSAT spacecraft and ground segments to ensure compliance with the operations service specification and operational interface agreements;
• Support system engineering and coordination of the operations of the related to EUMETSAT’s programmes;
• Coordinate with teams in other divisions and departments for multi-mission operations pertaining to EUMETSAT’s programmes.

• Experience in the field of satellite and/or ground segment operations and ops-prep activities is required. Experience of small satellite operations would be an advantage;
• Experience in developing, testing and/or operating space related systems is required;
• Familiarity with ground segment systems monitoring, networking and distributed applications is required;
• Thorough understanding of distributed system operations and interaction with external operations entities is required;
• Experience in space to ground interfaces and end-to-end system data flows is required;
• Experience of is required;
• Demonstrable critical thinking and a methodical, proactive and organised approach to work combined with an aptitude for detail and accuracy while under pressure/in an emergency situation is required;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, with a proven ability to apply these to interactions within a team and between internal teams and external entities.