Automation Engineer

A day in the life of an Automation Engineer at ESA's Mission Control.It’s early morning in Darmstadt, and the hum of activity at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) signals another day of exploration and precision. This is where Serco’s team helps keep Europe’s space missions running — from orbiting satellites to deep space probes — and where you, as an Automation Engineer, play a quiet but crucial role behind every signal that travels between Earth and the stars.As you start your day in the Network Operations Centre (NOC), the first thing you do is check the dashboard — the beating heart of the Mission Operations Infrastructure. Dozens of systems, servers, and services stream live data, and thanks to your automation tools, most of them hum along without a hitch. You’ve built scripts that detect anomalies before they become incidents, freeing your colleagues from repetitive manual tasks so they can focus on what really matters: keeping missions online.By mid-morning, you’re deep in collaboration mode. You join a quick call with ESA engineers to discuss new automation opportunities — maybe a process in incident management that could be streamlined, or a repetitive network check that could run autonomously. Your role bridges technology and people: translating operational needs into smart, reliable automated workflows that make mission control more efficient every day.Later, you work with your Service Management Team, reviewing how your recent integrations between ITSM platforms and automation tools have reduced response times and improved service quality. You take pride in seeing how your solutions ripple through operations — fewer tickets, faster resolutions, happier users.After lunch, you might write a Python script to automate a network configuration task, or fine-tune an Ansible playbook that deploys updates across virtual servers. Each keystroke is a step toward smarter, faster, more resilient mission infrastructure — the kind that can keep satellites talking to Earth no matter what.Toward the end of the day, you prepare a short report for stakeholders — clean metrics, success stories, and ideas for continuous improvement. Sometimes you join ESA briefings or workshops, sharing insights on how automation can transform the way mission operations are delivered. You’re not just keeping systems running; you’re shaping how space operations evolve in the digital era.When you log off, the systems keep running — quietly, efficiently, autonomously — thanks to your work. You leave knowing that somewhere, a spacecraft is receiving its next command, powered in part by the infrastructure you’ve helped automate.What you will bringYou’ve spent a few years mastering the art of automation and IT operations, and you’re fluent in the tools that make it possible — Ansible, Terraform, Python, PowerShell, or similar. You understand how to integrate automation into ITSM workflows, and you’re comfortable collaborating across teams and systems.You combine a strategic mindset with hands-on problem-solving, and you’re always curious about new technologies. You communicate clearly, document your work well, and can operate independently in a dynamic, mission-critical environment.Experience with process automation, service delivery optimization, or digital transformation projects will help you thrive here. Certifications in Prince2, PMP, Six Sigma, or Automation platforms are a plus.What's on OfferCompetitive salary and relocation package (including flight, airport transport, and one month of paid accommodation)Hybrid working model30% discount on the Deutschland TicketGym membership discount and private pension schemeCorporate benefits and 30 days of annual leaveWhy SercoFor decades, Serco has been part of Europe’s space story — providing engineering, technical, and management expertise that keeps ESA missions running smoothly. At ESOC, you’ll join a team that’s been recognized with “Best in Domain” awards, working side-by-side with world-class engineers and scientists dedicated to exploring the universe.Here, automation isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about empowering exploration.