Mission Operations Coordinator

With a strong presence in Europe, Serco collaborates extensively with the European Space Agency (ESA), providing comprehensive services from earth observation data management to spacecraft control and flight dynamics. In collaboration with ESRIN, Serco has made significant contributions to various space missions. Our technical and scientific support has been pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of ESA's operations. By joining Serco's team at ESRIN, you will be part of a dynamic environment focused on innovation and excellence in space exploration and data management, contributing to ground breaking projects that shape the future of space technology.

The Difference You Will Make:

You will contribute directly to some of Europe’s most exciting space programmes, from Earth observation and climate monitoring to satellite navigation and space safety. Your work will play a vital role in ensuring mission success, enabling better decision-making on Earth and driving innovation in orbit. Whether you’re helping managing spacecraft operations, analysing mission data, or supporting software and systems development, your expertise will help move Europe’s space ambitions forward.

Why Join Serco?

Work in an international and diverse team environment, surrounded by top-tier scientists, engineers, and technical experts.

Access continuous professional development and training opportunities tailored to the space sector.

Be part of a company that values work-life balance, mutual respect, and a commitment to excellence.

Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, innovative projects, and mission-critical systems in collaboration with major space agencies.

We are currently seeking an experienced and dynamic Mission Operations Engineer to join our Italian team. Join a ground-breaking European project at the forefront of satellite technology and climate research.

Objective:

The activity is aimed at providing PDGS (Payload Data Ground Segment) Missions Operations Technical Coordination. The successful candidate shall support ESA Operations Managers on end-to-end PDGS Operational Technical Coordination, according to applicable plans, processes and policies aiming to ensure the achievement of operational mission requirements and objectives.

Activity input:

PDGS Design documentation

PDGS Operations Concept Document

Interface Control Documents

Activity output:

Operational plans (Operations Preparation e Transfer To Operations included)

Mission PDGS End to End Operational processes

Technical Interface Control Documents (ICDs)

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Weekly/monthly management reports

Mission-related content for ESA web pages

Operational communications to users

PDGS configuration management plan

Deployment plans

Activity tasks:

Support ESA with in-depth technical knowledge/expertise on all aspects of then mission PDGS (this includes both routine operations and relationship with third parties and mission bodies)

Support ESA during the mission PDGS operations preparation by (not exhaustive list): Contributing to the definition of operational plans (including Operations Preparation and Transfer To Operations) and supporting implementation (e.g.: definition and set-up of mission-specific contracts, activities coordination, etc.); Defining Mission PDGS End to End Operational processes; Setting-up operational tools; Be responsible for End to end monitoring of the PDGS performance and activities

Monitor daily operations, prevent and control incidents (trends, risks, etc.) and ensure incidents resolution across the PDGS according to the procedures, service levels and quality standards agreed with the different operations teams/services

When necessary, ensure problem instantiation, contribute to adequate anomaly root cause analysis and problem resolution and provide support (as expert) in the frame of Anomaly Review Board

Support ESA with the generation of weekly/monthly management reporting (taking input from the various services, tools and systems)

Support ESA on the elaboration of mission-related content for ESA web pages or operational communications to users

Support ESA with the management of the industrial services operating the PDGS during routine phase (e.g.: Data reception, systematic processing, Mission planning, PDGS validation, mission-specific application maintenance), including participation in performance reviews

Support operational end-to-end coordination among common services, mission specific services and third-party actors

Support ESA with the overall coordination of the various phase-out activities conducted by the various operations teams/services at the end of the contract (in general, during the transition from phase E2 to phase F1), including participation in related Reviews

Support ESA with the overall coordination of the various hand-over to the Heritage Missions PDGS (preparation and integration) activities conducted by the various operations teams/services, in general during the last months of Phase F1 and during the first months of Phase F2, including participation in related reviews

Be responsible for overall configuration and documentation management within the PDGS, according to ESA processes and needs (including definition and maintenance of PDGS configuration management plan)

Ensure, in collaboration with the various operations teams/services, optimisation of PDGS resources, identify potential bottlenecks and propose resource upgrade when necessary

Contribute to the optimisation of end-to-end processes and improvement of service efficiency

Contribute to the improvement of the PDGS and the adaptation to product and usage evolution (e.g. by proposing architecture or application changes)

Coordinate release management, according with operational needs and maintenance/evolution plans

Elaborate, maintain and execute deployment plans, according with operational needs and constraints, and in close coordination with operational service providers

Prepare, plan and execute the Transfer To Operations for major PDGS and processor upgrades, ensuring service continuity (or minimal disruption) and close collaboration with the PDGS validation service and the operational teams/services

Your skills:

University degree or equivalent qualification in engineering or a related technical field

Strong Project Management and Technical coordination experience

Ability to plan and adhere to schedules effectively

Relevant background in integration and validation test activities, preferably in Earth Observation Ground Segments

Experience in managing system and software anomalies: reporting, analysis, classification, and resolution

Fluency in English, both written and spoken

Ability to work collaboratively in a team and share/acquire knowledge

Proactive problem-solving attitude

Desirable Skills:

Knowledge and familiarity with PDGS architecture and services

Understanding of service level agreements (SLA)

Knowledge of Earth Observation satellite data product formats

Familiarity with ECSS standards

Familiarity with ESA's Earth Explorers missions (including instruments) and processes related to PDGS development

Relocation:

Rome's central location in Italy offers excellent transportation links within the city and across the country. The city is well-connected by a network of highways and railways, with Ciampino Airport or Fiumicino, providing convenient access to international destinations.

Serco provides relocation support for all EU passport holders planning to move to Rome and join Serco Italia S.p.A. Serco applies smart working policy. The successful candidate can be requested to be on-site in ESRIN.

About Serco:

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 likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA. We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security. We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation/remote sensing, launch providers and much more.

Full-Time