Ground Segment System Lead Engineer

Ground Segment System Engineer

Location: Darmstadt, Germany

Application deadline: 23 January 2026

Reference number: 0408

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come?

We are looking for a Ground Segment System Engineer to work at EUMETSAT’s premises in Darmstadt, Germany.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to support our client, EUMETSAT, in the tasks required for a system engineering service of ground segments and sub‑segments, which have been subject to developments and evolutions. This varied role will allow you to cover activities through different phases of ground segment activities, for existing missions like Sentinel 3 and 6, but also brand‑new ones like CIMR and CRISTAL.

About the client and location

The European Organisation for the Exploration of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) is a political organisation comprising of 30 European member states. EUMETSAT operates satellites to monitor weather, climate, and the changing environment. They are responsible for helping to isolate potentially dangerous weather conditions that could affect air travel, farming and other key service industries.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Implementing engineering activities in Phase 0/A and B:
  • Feasibility and requirements definition/consolidation phase with preparation of Preliminary Requirement Reviews and/or Ground Segment System Requirements Reviews and Preliminary Definition phase with preparation of Preliminary Design Reviews Data Packages.
• Implementing engineering activities in Phase C/D:
  • Detailed Definition phase with preparation of Critical Design Reviews Data Packages.
  • Qualification and Production Phase with preparation of Integration, System and Acceptance Test Readiness/Results Reviews data packages.
• Implementing Ground Segment engineering activities in Phase E:
  • Assessing system performance during operational phase with preparation of ground systems operational status reports.
  • Assessing identified anomalies, participating in ARBs and coordinating/following up assigned actions for related ARs.
  • Implementing/following‑up of change control/management processes (e.g. ECPs and ETs).
• Implementing Ground System engineering activities for I&V campaigns, including:
  • Defining VCDs, I&V plans and test specifications and procedures.
  • Coordinating or following up of Integration activities.
  • Coordinating or following up of Verification activities.
  • Contributing to validation activities.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• University Degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• At least 5 years of proven experience in the areas and disciplines stated:
  • System engineering practices and processes, including knowledge of ECSS standards and system life cycle processes.
  • Experience in ground segments for large and complex Earth Observation missions, including processing software.
  • Management and traceability of complex requirements structures and the management of their verification via VCDs.
  • Preparation of ground segment documentation relating to requirements engineering, design, and IV&V planning and execution.
• The ability to maintain a system overview. You should have a systematic approach to the work and be able to plan the work with set schedules and multiple tasks.
• The ability to write accurate and consistent technical documentation, and the ability to rapidly absorb, and make use of, information presented in written and oral communications in a dynamic context.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Solution oriented mindset, with a customer focused communication skill.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Advanced knowledge on MBSE methodology and use of Enterprise Architect tool to model an earth observation Ground Segment with proven experience.

Why should you apply?

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward‑thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

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