Satellite and Ground Segment Engineer

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 offers space capability 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.

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're looking for a Satellite and Ground Segment Engineer to reinforce the team in our Italy office

As Satellite and Ground Segment Engineer you will be responsible for:

• Monitor and Operate Missions:
• Oversee realtime, endtoend monitoring and operation of ESA Earth Explorers Live Missions, ESA Heritage Missions, and ESA ThirdParty Missions to ensure mission integrity and performance.
• Incident Management and Resolution:
• Investigate and identify root causes of operational issues and system/application problems.
• Develop and implement corrective actions to resolve issues promptly and prevent recurrence.
• Manage system and application incidents to swiftly restore services and minimize downtime.
• Performance Analysis and Optimization:
• Vigilantly observe and analyze system performance and functionality.
• Identify areas for improvement and optimize processes to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize engineering and operational data to detect trends and inform decisionmaking.
• Automation and Scripting:
• Develop and maintain scripts to automate standard tasks and streamline operations.
• Generate innovative ideas for automating processes and contribute to the continuous evolution of managed applications.
• Project Support and Integration:
• Support the initiation and integration of new operational projects.
• Manage software change and release processes, including integration, validation activities, software installation, and operational verification.
• Documentation and Procedures:
• Establish, document, and maintain comprehensive operational procedures and work instructions.
• Assist in editing and preparing technical documentation and notes.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• Regularly interact with technical teams, application developers, and thirdparty suppliers to ensure system integrity and security.
• Communicate effectively to coordinate efforts and share critical information.
• Maintenance Activities:
• Execute regular application maintenance tasks to ensure optimal system performance and reliability.
• Knowledge Application:
• Apply a basic understanding of networking concepts, databases (MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL, Elasticsearch), and technologies like OpenLDAP, Apache, Tomcat, Python, Grafana, and Kibana to support operational activities.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Proactively generate ideas to innovate and enhance applications and systems.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes and standards.

Your skills:

• Proficient in Linux (especially Red Hat)
• Proficient in Linux shell scripting
• Proficient in Docker and Kubernetes technologies
• Proficient in supporting and administering Grafana, Kibana, and Elasticsearch platforms
• Wellversed in storage solutions and cloud technologies
• Basic knowledge of HTML and XML
• Basic knowledge of Apache and Tomcat servers
• Basic knowledge of Python programming
• Basic knowledge of OpenLDAP
• Basic knowledge of MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL, and Elasticsearch
• Fundamental understanding of networking concepts
• Experience in requirements definition and analysis
• Experience in project planning and reporting

Knowledge and experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in monitoring and operating satellite missions, with proficiency in Linux (especially Red Hat) and shell scripting.
• Demonstrated expertise in incident management, root cause analysis, and process optimization, including experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and storage/cloud technologies.
• Basic knowledge of networking concepts, web servers (Apache, Tomcat), programming (Python), directory services (OpenLDAP), databases (MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch), and monitoring tools (Grafana, Kibana).

Other knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of Satellite product standards is an asset.
• Knowledge of the ESA Environment is an asset.
• Language Proficiency Requirements:
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken, is essential for effective communication and documentation.
• Ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and collaborate with international teams in English.

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.