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 International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo. The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know-how across the generations. Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!