Automation/DevOps Engineer

Serco has made significant contributions at ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, supporting a wide range of space missions and projects. Serco provides essential engineering, technical, and management services, playing a key role in logistics and operational support for missions. Their expertise in spacecraft operations, ground systems, and data processing has earned them recognition, including 'Best in Domain' awards from ESA. Their long-standing partnership with ESA reflects their commitment to excellence and innovation in the space sector, ensuring successful mission outcomes and advancing space exploration.On behalf of our customer, the European Space Agency, we are looking for an Automation / DevOps Engineer. You would be a part of the Network Operations Centre (NOC) tasked with maintaining and operating the Mission Operations Infrastructure, covering everything from 24/7 first line monitoring and service desk to 2nd line teams and support for engineering activities.Your mission would be to lead our digital transformation initiatives by improving the delivery of IT services through automation. The ideal candidate will design, develop, and implement automation strategies and solutions that optimize operational efficiency, enhance service quality, and drive innovation across IT processes.Main Responsibilities:Coordinate and promote the use of automation across NOC services by identifying automation opportunities across IT service delivery and operational processes.Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to understand service requirements and translate them into automated solutions.Support the Service Management Team in driving the evolution of the service in alignment with the Agency’s changing business needs.Integrate automation tools with ITSM platforms to streamline incident, problem, and change management processes.Drive the design and implementation of the automated processes into operation.Enable and integrate automation tools within NOC services as well as monitor and analyse automated processes to ensure efficiency, reliability, and compliance.Lead continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging new technologies for intelligent automation.Attend user meetings, briefings, user groups, and workshops as required.Keep up to date with the latest trends, automation technologies, and best practices.Provide regular and on-demand reporting and statistics.Act as an interface to the customer.Experience Required:Proven experience (3+ years) in IT service management, IT operations, or automation roles.Prior experience in project management – Prince2, PMP, Six Sigma certification is preferred.Hands-on expertise with automation platforms, experience in process automation, workflow optimization, and IT service delivery improvement – certification in Automation is preferred.Familiarity with digital transformation initiatives and enterprise automation strategies.Experience with infrastructure automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Terraform).Proficiency in scripting languages like Python, PowerShell, or Bash is preferred.Familiarity with ITSM platforms for integrating automation into IT workflows.Day-to-day knowledge of networking concepts, virtualization, and OS.Fluent in English, proven ability to communicate effectively, both in speech and writing.Self-starter, able to work independently with little or no supervision.Analytical mindset with problem-solving capabilities.Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.Able to write and present documentation, procedures, and training material.All candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.On Offer:Relocation allowance: including a one-way flight ticket, transportation from the airport to a temporary hotel, and one month of paid accommodation while securing permanent housing.Hybrid working model.30% subvention on Deutschland ticket.Gym membership discount.Private pension scheme.Corporate Benefits discounts.30 days of holiday. 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.