Integrated Operations Engineer (FTC)

Thorn SDS Ltd•Darmstadt, IN

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

Thorn SDS is a specialist Managed Service Provider dedicated to helping technology-driven organisations and professionals succeed in some of the world’s most demanding environments—Space, Defence, and Security. We operate at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, mission-critical operations, and trusted partnerships. Our teams support complex programmes where precision, reliability, and expertise truly matter, enabling our customers to focus on delivering innovation with confidence. This role sits within our German business, and will be located in the Darmstadt area, at the heart of Europe’s space operations community. Alternatively, there is the option of undertaking this role from the Netherlands. Either way you will be working as part of an international organisation, European Space Agency (ESA) that values technical excellence, collaboration, and long-term relationships—working on programmes that shape the future of space and security. In this role, you will provide Integrated Operations Engineering Services to cutting-edge missions, each pushing the boundaries of space-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). From low Earth orbit navigation satellites to optical inter-satellite links and advanced geodetic techniques, you will help transform innovative concepts into operational reality. The role is initially offered on a Fixed-Term Contract basis until December 2026 with the possibility to transition into a permanent position after this date.

Requirements

Proven experience in defining and implementing Operational Concepts and Operational Activities for space missions.
Strong capability in requirements management, including requirement breakdown, traceability, and verification across multiple levels.
Experience monitoring industrial services, including SLA/KPI management and risk assessment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in AIV activities.
Background in the space sector, with exposure to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) or Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems.

Responsibilities

Define and evolve the Mission Operational Concept, ensuring operational requirements are embedded from the earliest project phases.
Coordinate engineering, development, and validation activities with segment primes and subcontractors.
Ensure timely implementation and validation of Flight Operations Procedures (FOPs) and Ground Operations Procedures (GOPs) through dedicated and system-level campaigns.
Actively support project milestones by participating in reviews, generating and addressing Review Item Discrepancies (RIDs), and following up on actions.
Maintain alignment of operational activities across space, ground, and operations segments, in close collaboration with system teams.
Oversee operations and ground segment services throughout design, implementation, and delivery, ensuring consistency with the agreed operational concept.
Monitor industrial service performance, including SLAs, KPIs, risk assessment, and mitigation.
Support AIV (Assembly, Integration & Verification) activities from an operational perspective.
Liaise closely with the Technical Responsible to ensure effective and high-quality service provision.