Integrated Ground Control Segment Engineer

About The Programme
The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), is driving Europe's flagship navigation system — Galileo.

As one of the most advanced global navigation satellite systems, Galileo provides precise positioning, navigation, and timing services to millions of users worldwide.

You'll play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation, evolution, and security of the Galileo Ground Control Segment (GCS), Ground Mission Segment (GMS), and Security Monitoring (SECMON) infrastructure — the beating heart of Europe's space navigation network.

The Role
Thorn SDS is looking for a skilled
Integrated Ground Control Segment Engineer
to support the Galileo Ground Segment Management Office in the engineering, integration, and validation of IT and network infrastructure across the Galileo system.

You will be the technical bridge between ESA, prime contractors, and subcontractors, ensuring that the ground infrastructure—from local area networks to monitoring systems—is robust, compliant, and ready for operational handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead coordination with GMS, GCS, and SECMON primes/subcontractors for LAN network activities (e.g. MDDN, SDDN, EDDN), including network security devices.
• Oversee and support IT infrastructure activities such as directory services, DNS, and time services.
• Develop and monitor network and IT control systems, ensuring proper performance, availability, and redundancy.
• Interface with the WAN providers (GDDN, GRON) to ensure technical compliance of customer-furnished items and undertakings.
• Track project progress, proactively monitoring milestones and deliverables to meet Ground Segment requirements.
• Support system-level interfaces between Ground, Space, and test segments, maintaining system integrity and compliance.
• Participate in design, implementation, AIV (Assembly, Integration & Verification), and handover to operations, ensuring alignment with programme objectives.
• Contribute to accreditation and security processes, collaborating closely with ESA security teams.
• Provide technical input during reviews, procurement, and industrial activities.

What You Bring
Essential Experience:

• Minimum 4yrs engineering experience in a space environment
• Strong technical expertise in networking (physical & virtual) and IT infrastructure
• Proven experience in procurement, integration, and operations of IT and network systems
• Background in system engineering, ideally in GNSS (Galileo) or other space programmes
• Ability to manage and trace complex requirements across multiple levels in large-scale programmes
• Experience in industrial activity management, including negotiations and technical reviews
• EU citizenship and eligibility for security clearance under Secure Connectivity PSI regulations

Desirable:

• Experience in risk management and schedule coordination within high-reliability environments

Preferred Background

• Solid technical grounding in network and IT systems
• Experience in writing, managing, and validating technical requirements
• Familiarity with AIV processes and SLA/KPI-based service delivery
• Proven experience in space systems, ground segment operations, or mission-critical infrastructure
• Previous involvement in the Galileo programme is a strong advantage

Why Join Us?

• Work at the forefront of European space navigation technology
• Collaborate with leading experts in GNSS, space systems, and secure communications
• Contribute directly to the operational excellence of Galileo, Europe's independent navigation system
• Thrive in a dynamic, multicultural, and mission-driven environment
• 20 Statutory Vacation Days, + 10 Additional Vacation Days.
• German Public Holiday Days + Organisation Specific Holidays
• Subsidised Deutsche Bahn Ticket
• Subsidy to Welfare Activities
• Subsidy to Organisation Social Clubs
• Individual Educational Programme Support
• Access to a wide range of Training Material and Programmes
• Flexible and Hybrid Working Options

Ready to support Europe's journey through the stars — from the ground up?

Apply now and become part of the team shaping the future of global navigation.

All applicants must already hold the Right to Work in Germany as sponsorship cannot be provided for this role and be eligible for personal security clearance (EU Member State Nationality)