IT Support Technician

At Serco, we don't just support space exploration, we help make it possible. For decades, we've been a trusted partner at ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, playing a vital role in some of the most ambitious space missions humanity has ever undertaken. From spacecraft operations to ground systems and data processing, our expertise has earned us recognition, including ESA's prestigious Best in Domain awards. Every day, we work hand-in-hand with ESA to ensure mission success and push the boundaries of innovation.

Now, we're looking for someone who wants to be part of this story.

Your Mission: IT Support Technician at ESOC.

Imagine standing at the heart of Europe's space operations, where every system you maintain and every cable you patch helps keep satellites in orbit and missions on track. As an IT Support Technician, you'll join our Network Operations Centre (NOC), the nerve centre that coordinates, configures, and monitors ESA's ground segment, including the Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) stations of the ESTRACK network.

The NOC is the first line of defence for ESA's space missions. When real-time service requests come in from ESTRACK customers, we respond. When operational IT systems need attention, we're there. From ground operations to control rooms, you'll be part of a team that ensures everything runs flawlessly.

What You'll Do:

• Every day, you'll be working at the heart of Europe's space operations, ensuring that the technology behind the missions runs flawlessly. You'll start by installing and maintaining the critical hardware that keeps spacecraft connected and missions alive. Precision will be your constant companion as you perform electrical safety tests and manage complex cabling systems that link control rooms to the stars.
• When equipment needs attention, you'll take charge—handling spare parts, coordinating with vendors, and managing logistics to keep everything moving smoothly. Your expertise will shine as you configure systems, carry out preventive maintenance, and document every detail to ensure nothing is left to chance.
• Challenges will come, and you'll meet them head-on. From troubleshooting unexpected issues to managing tickets, you'll be the problem-solver who keeps operations on track. And when the stakes are highest—during launch and early orbit phases—you'll step up, sometimes working shifts to make sure everything goes perfectly.
• Beyond the day-to-day, you'll also play a role in shaping the future of space operations. Whether it's supporting refurbishment projects or contributing to engineering activities, your work will help pave the way for the next generation of missions.

What You Bring:

• You're not just an IT professional, you're someone who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments. With a solid background in IT operations within enterprise settings, you understand what it takes to keep critical systems running flawlessly. You're a true generalist, with well-rounded experience across operational IT environments and a genuine passion for technology that drives you to learn and improve every day.
• Your knowledge runs deep. You're fluent in the language of data centres, wiring concepts, cooling systems, and power distribution are second nature to you. You know your way around servers, racks, and network devices, and you can troubleshoot and analyse faults with precision and confidence.
• Networking concepts, components, and protocols? You've mastered them. And when it comes to system administration, you're comfortable working on both UNIX and Windows platforms.
• Communication matters in this role, and you excel at it—fluent in English, both spoken and written. You're a self-starter who can work independently without supervision, yet you're also a team player who collaborates seamlessly with technical experts and management alike.
• Organization is your strength; you can juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and keep everything on track.
• You bring a service mindset and understand the importance of KPIs in delivering excellence. You're physically capable of lifting equipment up to 25 kg and flexible enough to work occasional shifts when mission-critical moments demand it.
• Your toolkit includes PC literacy with MS Office and Office365, and if you have experience with Voice Communication Systems or electrical safety certifications, that's a bonus.
• Above all, you're adaptable, curious, and ready to play a key role in the success of space missions.

What We Offer: More Than Just a Job:

Joining Serco at ESOC isn't just about the work, it's about the experience. We know that moving for a role like this is a big step, so we make sure you're supported every step of the way. From the moment you accept, we'll take care of the details: a relocation allowance that includes your flight to Germany, transport from the airport, and a month of paid accommodation while you settle into your new home.

Once you're here, you'll enjoy a hybrid working model that gives you flexibility, plus a 30% discount on the Deutschland ticket to make exploring your new surroundings easy and affordable.

We'll help you stay active with a gym membership discount and give you peace of mind with participation in pension and health schemes.

And because we believe in balance, you'll have 30 days of holiday to recharge, reflect, and maybe even travel to some of Europe's most inspiring destinations.

This isn't just a job—it's a chance to build a career in space operations while enjoying a lifestyle that supports you every step of the way.

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.