Systems Engineer

The Space Flight Technology department of the German Space Operations Centre (GSOC) supports the satellite and sounding rocket missions operated by the facility. It provides the necessary flight dynamics services and also researches and develops pioneering technologies for the operation of space missions. This includes work in the areas of GNSS-based navigation of satellites as well as sounding rockets and launch vehicles, on-orbit servicing (OOS), space situational awareness (SSA) and on-board autonomous sensor data evaluation. What to expect Future satellite missions for earth observation, communication, technology testing and navigation pose particular challenges for flight dynamics. These requirements are analysed by the Flight Dynamics Services group, the feasibility is demonstrated and finally the flight dynamics software system is implemented before and operated after satellite launch. In particular, electrically-powered satellites such as Galileo 2nd Generation (as well as equivalent existing and future missions) require new flight dynamics operational concepts and software systems for positioning and station keeping. The operational tasks include mission analyses, satellite orbit and attitude determination, orbit prediction, orbit and attitude control, collision avoidance and re-entry. In addition, the ground segment is supported with the provision of flight dynamics products such as satellite position predictions for tracking antennas and optical ground stations, orbit- and attitude-related products for mission planning and satellite operations as well as for payload operations. Your tasks Analysing flight dynamics requirements and conducting feasibility studies Development of scalable flight dynamics services that enable fast programming language and system-independent interaction between the flight dynamics system and other systems in the control centre and with other control centres Development and software implementation of required algorithms and interfaces Development of software systems including the programming of software modules and system implementation Participation in simulation and training campaigns for the "Launch and Early Orbit Phase" (LEOP) and the "Electric-Orbit-Raising" (EOR) phase of satellites Control room activities during LEOP: processing and evaluation of telemetry and tracking data, determination and analysis of satellite attitude and orbit, planning of orbital manoeuvres, creation of operational products Routine and emergency satellite operations: investigation of anomalies, troubleshooting, control of flight dynamics processes and provision of products, investigation and evaluation of critical approaches with space debris and collision avoidance Your profile Completed scientific university degree (Master/Diploma Uni) in engineering sciences e.g. aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc. or natural sciences, e.g. physics, etc. or other degrees relevant to the job, e.g. computer science, mathematics Expertise in the field of orbit determination, orbit and attitude dynamics of satellites or collision avoidance Good knowledge of programming in Fortran or Python and experience with Linux operating system Good knowledge of software development or systems engineering Fluency in English (written and spoken) Ability to grasp technical issues quickly and present them clearly Ability to solve problems systematically and precisely, strong hands-on mentality, strong team spirit and ability to present yourself We offer DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified. Remuneration is up the the German TVöD Bund EG 13 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks. We look forward to getting to know you If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 2850) please contact: Heike Frei Tel.: +49 8153 28 1465