Systems Engineer

**Job Description:** **MOI-IT System Engineer** **Description** The Mission Operations IT (MOI-IT) infrastructure provides the critical IT services supporting ESA's spacecraft operations, mission preparation activities and ground segment engineering. The infrastructure includes on-premises cloud platforms, virtualisation, Linux systems, container platforms, storage, networking, monitoring and automation services used by multiple ESA missions. As an MOI-IT System Engineer, you will contribute to the design, deployment, operation and continuous evolution of highly available IT platforms supporting mission-critical operations. Working in a multidisciplinary team, you will participate throughout the entire system lifecycle, from requirements engineering and architecture to implementation, validation and operational support. **Duties** Reporting to the Head of Section, your responsibilities will include: * Designing and maintaining mission-critical IT infrastructure supporting ESA spacecraft operations. * Engineering Linux-based server platforms and virtual infrastructure. * Designing, deploying and operating Kubernetes-based container platforms. * Managing enterprise storage solutions, including Ceph and distributed storage technologies. * Maintaining databases and associated backup and recovery solutions. * Developing Infrastructure-as-Code and configuration management solutions using Ansible and Git. * Designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines for automated software deployment. * Integrating systems with LDAP/Active Directory identity management services. * Implementing secure authentication, certificate lifecycle management and PKI solutions. * Supporting mission-specific IT environments during development, validation and operations. * Performing system integration, acceptance testing and operational readiness activities. * Monitoring system performance, analysing incidents and performing root-cause investigations. * Providing second- and third-line engineering support for operational services. * Producing High-Level Designs (HLD), Low-Level Designs (LLD), operational procedures and technical documentation. * Supporting technology evolution projects and infrastructure modernisation initiatives. * Contributing to cybersecurity hardening following ESA security policies and industry best practices. * Participating in technical reviews, design reviews and anomaly investigations. **Technical Environment** The successful candidate will work with technologies such as: * Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) / Ubuntu / SLES * Kubernetes * Podman / LXD Containers * Ceph Storage * VMware / KVM virtualisation * PostgreSQL / MySQL / MariaDB * Git * Ansible * Jenkins / GitLab CI * Python / Bash scripting * Prometheus & Grafana * LDAP / Active Directory * PKI & TLS Certificates * NGINX * DNS, DHCP, NTP * Enterprise Networking * SAN/NAS storage * Monitoring and logging platforms **Required Qualifications** * Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or a related discipline. * Several years of professional experience in Linux systems engineering. * Experience designing and operating highly available IT infrastructures. * Experience with container orchestration technologies, preferably Kubernetes. * Experience with automation and Infrastructure-as-Code. * Good understanding of networking principles. * Experience with enterprise storage technologies. * Knowledge of database administration. * Experience with scripting using Python or Bash. * Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines. * Good analytical and troubleshooting skills. * Ability to work in multidisciplinary engineering teams. * Excellent communication skills in English. **Desirable Experience** Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset: * Space mission operations * Ground segment engineering * High-performance computing * Cybersecurity * Cloud-native technologies * Distributed storage systems * Identity and Access Management * Disaster Recovery planning * Operational monitoring systems * Service Management (ITIL) * Agile and DevOps methodologies **Behavioural Competencies** * Results Orientation * Problem Solving * Continuous Improvement * Teamwork * Customer Focus * Innovation * Planning and Organisation * Technical Excellence **What We Offer** You will contribute to the IT infrastructure supporting ESA's scientific and operational missions, working with modern technologies in a highly collaborative international environment. The role provides opportunities to influence the evolution of mission-critical infrastructure through automation, cloud-native technologies, cybersecurity and systems engineering while supporting some of Europe's most important space programmes. This profile also aligns well with current MOI-IT activities at ESOC, including Linux platform engineering, Kubernetes, on-premises cloud infrastructure, automation, secure access management, storage, networking, and operational support. **Seniority:** Senior **Primary Location:** DE - Darmstadt - ESOC **Contract Type:** **Hybrid Working:** Hybrid