Linux Systems Engineer

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated Linux System Administrator with programming and automation skills to join our service team supporting the Flight Dynamics Division at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. The team provides engineering and operational support for the Flight Dynamics Platform, the mission-critical infrastructure used to prepare and operate multiple spacecraft missions.

The role combines Linux system administration, infrastructure automation, platform engineering, IT security, end-user support, and software development within a operational environment. We are particularly looking for someone with a strong operational and system administration mindset who is also comfortable developing, testing and maintaining supporting tools, scripts, and system software components as needed.

This is a customer-facing role requiring close day-to-day interaction with Flight Dynamics engineers. The successful candidate should be comfortable providing technical support, troubleshooting complex issues, and communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

The position is part of a highly skilled team of six engineers with complementary areas of expertise spanning Linux and FreeBSD system administration, software engineering, software build and configuration control, automation, storage technologies, networking, security, and operational support. Candidates are not expected to already master every technology listed in this profile. We welcome applications from both junior and experienced engineers: junior candidates should demonstrate strong technical foundations and a willingness to learn, while more experienced candidates are expected to contribute independently and bring deeper expertise in one or more relevant domains.

Due to the operational nature of the role, regular on-site presence at the customer premises is required, particularly during testing, simulations, launches, and contingency activities. When operationally feasible, occasional teleworking near the customer site may be permitted. Candidates must also be eligible to obtain and maintain the required security and export control clearances, including ITAR/EIR-related compliance requirements where applicable.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field. In the absence of a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in a similar role.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken, with the ability to work effectively in an international technical environment and produce clear technical documentation and communications
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain required security and export control clearances/compliance, including ITAR/EIR-related requirements

Linux System Administration and Software Development

• Strong experience administering Linux systems (particularly RedHat-based distributions), including installation, patching, monitoring, troubleshooting, and automation
• Knowledge of additional Unix-like systems such as BSD or Solaris is considered an advantage
• Solid software development skills in a Linux environment, with proficiency in at least one of C++, Python, or shell, and the ability to develop, maintain, and troubleshoot tools and applications supporting operational systems

User Support

• Ability to support technical users in complex engineering environments
• Experience assisting developers with build, debugging, and software environment issues

Optional / Beneficial Skills

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered a strong advantage:

• Infrastructure automation, configuration management, and Infrastructure-as-Code tools (e.g. Ansible, CI/CD systems)
• Linux networking, system security, hardening, authentication systems, and vulnerability management (e.g. SELinux, FreeIPA/LDAP)
• Storage, filesystem, and distributed storage technologies, particularly ZFS
• Virtualization, container technologies, and high-availability infrastructure platforms
• Enterprise and mission-critical operational environments, including operational support or space mission support systems
• Scientific or engineering computing environments
• Familiarity with enterprise server hardware, out-of-band management (e.g. iLO/IPMI), and provisioning.
• Unix operating systems such as FreeBSD or Solaris

Personal Skills

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work autonomously in operational environments
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Ability to work under pressure during operational activities
• Strong service-oriented mindset
• Proactive attitude toward innovation and continuous improvement
• Ability to quickly adapt to evolving technologies and operational requirements

Operational Constraints

• Availability for critical mission activities, launch campaigns, simulations, system tests, contingency support, and occasional work outside normal working hours may be required.
• Participation in an on-call support rotation may be required to ensure continuous operational coverage.
• The role is primarily performed on-site at the customer premises (ESOC) in close coordination with Flight Dynamics operational teams; occasional teleworking from a nearby location may be permitted subject to operational needs and approval.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work in a highly technical, mission-critical space operations environment, supporting ESA spacecraft missions and satellite launches
• Collaboration within an international team of experienced engineers and space operations specialists across multiple technical domains

Additional Information

This position is based in Darmstadt, Germany.

If you believe you have what it takes for this position, please send your CV (in English and in Word or PDF format) to Andrés Izquierdo by clicking on the ‘Apply for this job’ button and quoting job reference.

An exciting and dynamic international working environment awaits you!

Last apply date: 31/05/2026!