At Serco, we don’t just support space exploration, we help make it possible. For decades, we’ve been a trusted partner at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, playing a vital role in some of the most ambitious space missions ever undertaken. From spacecraft operations to ground systems and mission support, our expertise has been recognised through long-standing partnerships and ESA Best in Domain awards.
Every day, Serco specialists work side by side with ESA teams to ensure mission continuity, operational excellence and a safe, reliable working environment. Now, we’re looking for someone who wants to be part of this story.
On behalf of our team at ESOC, we are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to support the Real Estate and Facilities Management (REFM) department.
The Community You’ll Step Into:
* You will join the ESOC campus in Darmstadt, a site covering multiple technical buildings and facilities where around one thousand people work daily to operate and support ESA missions. Within this environment, the REFM department is responsible for keeping the site safe, functional and operational, ensuring that all technical installations support mission-critical activities.
* You will work closely with ESA engineers, facility management specialists and external service providers. This is a collaborative, international setting where clear communication, technical competence and mutual trust are essential.
* You will be part of a team that values structure, safety and reliability, while also encouraging continuous improvement and proactive problem solving.
The Difference You Will Make:
* Your work will directly contribute to the operational continuity of ESA’s mission control centre. By ensuring that mechanical installations such as heating, cooling, ventilation, water supply, lifts and building systems are reliable and well maintained, you help create a safe and stable environment where mission operations can run without disruption.
* You will support energy efficiency, risk mitigation and compliance with regulatory requirements, helping ESA manage a complex technical site responsibly and sustainably. Through your contribution, Serco continues to demonstrate reliability and technical excellence, strengthening its role as a trusted partner at ESOC.
* In this role, your impact is tangible every day. When systems perform as expected and incidents are prevented or resolved efficiently, you enable ESA teams to focus fully on space operations.
What You’ll Do:
* In this role, you will support the continuous mechanical engineering operations of the ESOC site. You will work closely with the REFM team and the on-site Facility Management service provider to follow up on incidents, analyse root causes and help prevent recurring issues. You will coordinate maintenance activities and repairs, taking into account operational risks and impacts on internal ESA customers.
* You will contribute to energy management by monitoring heating and cooling consumption and proposing efficiency improvements. You will carry out inspections of technical rooms and installations, identifying risks and ensuring that safety and hygiene standards are respected. Using building management and automation systems, you will monitor system performance and support reporting and optimisation activities.
* You will also play an active role in provider management by reviewing maintenance plans, inspecting work quality, assessing repair proposals and contributing to performance reporting and KPIs. Regular interaction with service providers and internal stakeholders will be part of your daily work.
* In addition, you will manage or contribute to small and medium-size facility projects, from requirement definition and statement of work preparation to supplier coordination, technical evaluation and formal handover into operations. Documentation, audits and compliance activities will be a consistent part of your responsibilities.
What You Bring:
* You bring a solid background in mechanical engineering, supported by a University degree or equivalent technical qualification, or a Master Craftsman background with relevant experience in building operations. You have hands-on experience with mechanical installations such as heating systems, chillers, heat pumps, ventilation, lifts and hydraulic distribution systems.
* You are comfortable working in a facility management environment and understand the importance of structured processes, documentation and compliance with applicable norms and legislation. You have experience with CAFM systems, building management systems and energy monitoring, and you are confident using tools such as Microsoft Office and AutoCAD.
* You communicate clearly and work well in an international environment. You are organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail. You are comfortable interacting with service providers, internal customers and technical specialists, and you approach problems with a practical and solution-oriented mindset.
* Fluency in English and German is essential. Experience with KPI-based contracts, audits and regulated environments is a strong advantage.
What We Offer: More Than Just a Job:
* At Serco, we believe that meaningful work should come with stability and support. You will join an established team at ESOC, working in a professional and well-structured environment that supports long-term development.
* You will benefit from hybrid working arrangements in line with ESA’s working model, while recognising that on-site presence is essential for many of the activities involved in this role. Serco supports continuous training and professional development, ensuring your skills remain current and relevant in a technically demanding environment.
* Most importantly, you will be part of a team that contributes every day to the success of European space missions, knowing that your work supports safe operations and long-term sustainability at ESA ESOC.
What We Offer: More Than Just a Job:
* Joining Serco at ESOC isn’t just about the work, it’s about the experience. We know that moving for a role like this is a big step, so we make sure you’re supported every step of the way. From the moment you accept, we’ll take care of the details: a relocation allowance that includes your flight to Germany, transport from the airport, and a month of paid accommodation while you settle into your new home.
* Once you’re here, you’ll enjoy a hybrid working model that gives you flexibility, plus a 30% discount on the Deutschland ticket to make exploring your new surroundings easy and affordable.
* We’ll help you stay active with a gym membership discount and give you peace of mind with participation in pension and health schemes.
* And because we believe in balance, you’ll have 30 days of holiday to recharge, reflect, and maybe even travel to some of Europe’s most inspiring destinations.
* This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to build a career in space operations while enjoying a lifestyle that supports you every step of the way.
About Serco:
Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA. We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security. We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation/remote sensing, launch providers and much more.