Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Specialist [26043]

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Space Situational Awareness Specialist is a full-time, onsite role in Darmstadt with Sopra Steria, supporting space safety initiatives and the ASTREK platform, with potential involvement in ESA/ESOC flight dynamics. You will perform orbital analysis, conjunction risk assessments, monitor debris and RSOs, interpret data from radar and optical sensors, and help shape SSA/STM processes while collaborating with mission controllers and data engineers. Essential: strong orbital mechanics background, experience with TLEs, Space-Track, SGP4/SDP4, HPOP, and analytical tools (Python, MATLAB, STK, Orekit). German and English fluency, willingness for security clearance, EU work permit. To apply, send an English CV (Word or PDF) to Andrés Izquierdo, reference 26043, by 31 March 2026, via the Apply button, ensuring your CV highlights SSA related projects and real-time ops.

Company Description

HE Space is a successful international space company. For 40 years, we have been supporting our customers with qualified experts in the field of engineering, science and administration. 

We hire space experts all over Europe across the whole spectrum of space-related activities, from engineering to science, software development, operations, marketing, finance and administration. Our employees contribute towards a wide range of groundbreaking space programmes including Galileo and Copernicus, ExoMars, Iris2, ESA BASS, ESA GSPT, LISA Pathfinder, Euclid, the Ariane and Vega launchers as well as the International Space Station.

HE Space has joined forces with CS Group and Sopra Steria to lead the engineering and digital space market in Europe and to provide highly skilled consulting. We are passionate about people and invest in you to support the development of the European space industry.

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Specialist to support our growing space operations and space safety initiatives. In this role, you will play a critical part in analysing, monitoring, and safeguarding space assets by leveraging advanced orbital mechanics, sensor data, and space surveillance technologies. You will collaborate with technical teams, operational partners, and international agencies to ensure safe and sustainable use of the space domain, as well as our inhouse product team that is developing our space surveillance digital platform, ASTREK.

While the focus is on SSA, depending on your background and to support your ramp-up, you will also support our Flight Dynamics Team at our customer site ESA/ESOC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct orbital analysis, conjunction assessment and risk evaluation for satellites and space objects.
• Monitor space environment data, including debris, resident space objects (RSOs) and potential threats.
• Analyse and interpret data from ground‑based and space‑based sensors, catalogues and tracking systems.
• Develop operational insights to support collision avoidance manoeuvres and safe satellite operations.
• Contribute to SSA/STM (Space Traffic Management) processes, policies and reporting.
• Produce high‑quality technical documentation, reports and mission‑support products.
• Work cross‑functionally with mission controllers, flight dynamics teams, data engineers and system developers.
• Support the enhancement of internal SSA analytical tools, models and data pipelines.
• Remain informed on emerging SSA standards, regulatory developments and international best practices.

Qualifications

Essential Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, perturbation modelling and satellite dynamics.
• Knowledge of space surveillance systems, such as radar, optical telescopes or Space Surveillance Networks (SSNs).
• Experience with SSA data sources, e.g.:
  • Two-Line Elements (TLEs)
  • Space-Track.org data
  • Astrodynamics models (e.g. SGP4/SDP4, HPOP)
• Proficiency in analytical or scripting tools (e.g. Python, MATLAB, STK, Orekit).
• Ability to interpret sensor measurements, tracking accuracy and uncertainty modelling.
• Understanding of space debris dynamics, satellite conjunction risk metrics (PC, miss distance) and manoeuvre planning.
• Familiarity with international SSA/STM frameworks, standards and regulatory trends.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with collision avoidance operations or real‑time mission support.
• Background in astrodynamics software development or modelling algorithm improvement.
• Practical experience with AI/ML applications in sensor fusion or predictive modelling.
• Knowledge of satellite operations, flight dynamics, or mission planning.
• Experience collaborating with defence, civil space agencies, or commercial operators.

Qualifications

• Degree (Bachelor, Masters or PhD) in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, Space Science, Remote Sensing, Data Science, Computer Science or a related field.
• Relevant work experience in SSA, STM, satellite operations, or space surveillance is highly preferred.
• Strong command of German (written and spoken). Strong command of English (written and spoken).
• Willingness to undergo security clearance (national or EU‑relevant).
• Valid EU work permit or existing right to work in an EU member state.

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 26043.

An exciting and dynamic international working environment awaits you!

Last apply date: 31/03/2026!