Mission Operations Security Officer
European Space Agency - ESA · Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany
- On site
- Contract
- $80,000 / year
- Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany
Job highlights
- Secure space mission operations and ground segments.
- Support cyber security for critical missions.
- Assess and mitigate mission security risks.
- Implement ESA security policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with international partners on security.
About the role
Mission Operations Security Officer
Job Requisition ID: 20467
Date Posted: 29 April 2026
Closing Date: 20 May 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External
Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite
Directorate: Operations
Workplace: Darmstadt, DE
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Description
The European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking a Mission Operations Security Officer to join the Technical and Management Support Office within the Mission Operations Department (OPS-O) of the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS). This role is crucial for ensuring the security of ground segments and mission operations entrusted to ESOC, as well as providing support to other projects on a case-by-case basis.
As a Mission Operations Security Officer, you will support mission operations preparation and execution with a focus on operational (cyber) security aspects. You will work closely with the Mission Operations Security Team Lead and the Cyber Security Manager (CSM) to implement ESA security policies for the missions operated by the Directorate. Additionally, you will provide support to programmes involving institutional and commercial partners on ground segment and operations security matters.
Duties
Your initial responsibilities will involve supporting the OPS-O Missions’ Project/System Security Officers (PSSOs) and the CSM in their duties related to operations security. There is potential to evolve into a PSSO role due to the increasing demand for operations (cyber) security engineering and coordination.
You will also assist projects and missions operated by ESA’s institutional and commercial partners in the area of mission operations security. Working under the coordination of the Missions Operations Security Team Lead, you will interface with the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) from a customer perspective for mission operations functions.
Key Tasks Include:
- Supporting Spacecraft Operations Managers/Heads of Units on operations security matters, including certification and approvals.
- Performing mission security risk assessments and evaluating security risks and requirements.
- Ensuring compliance with Directorate and Agency-level security policies and procedures.
- Providing engineering support for operations security, such as security audits and requirements development.
- Assisting Spacecraft Operations Managers/Flight Control Teams with spacecraft operations engineering tasks focused on security.
- Liaising with the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) and identifying mission operations security requirements for their implementation.
- Supporting the Head of the Office in the specification, development, and maintenance of ground systems and operational products to meet security requirements.
- Providing expertise and support to other ESA departments, industry partners, and external agencies in mission operations, ground segment validation, and space-to-ground interfaces.
- Assisting security teams for programmes and missions involving ESA’s institutional and commercial partners.
Technical Competencies
- General background and specific experience in security and cyber security operations.
- Experience in security engineering and standards, preferably applied to space.
- Knowledge of space mission ground segment and operations.
- Understanding of ground infrastructure and/or software systems development and maintenance.
- Knowledge of large operations and associated software systems, preferably space-based.
Behavioural Competencies
- Result Orientation
- Operational Efficiency
- Fostering Cooperation
- Relationship Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Education and Professional Experience
A Master’s degree in a relevant STEM domain with 2 years of relevant professional experience is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 4 years of relevant professional experience will be considered.
Additional Requirements
- Mandatory experience in security engineering and standards, preferably applied to space.
- Required flexibility, adaptability, and ability to prioritize tasks in a multi-subject/multi-project operational environment.
- Assets include: Security certifications (CISSP, CISMP), personal security clearance, experience in managing the human factor of information security, ground segment design and operations, mission planning and scheduling, and knowledge of spacecraft platform and subsystem operations.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates. Assistance for individuals with disabilities can be provided during the recruitment process. Contact: contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
Recruitment will typically be within the A2-A4 grade band. However, candidates with less than four years of relevant experience post-Master's may be appointed at the A1 level. Applicants must be eligible for European or US export control regulations and able to obtain a security clearance from their national security administration. Selection tests may be conducted. Successful candidates will undergo basic screening. ESA is transitioning to a Matrix setup, which may lead to organizational changes.
Nationality and Languages
Applicants must be nationals of ESA Member States (Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia). Working languages are English and French; knowledge of another Member State language is an asset.
Key skills/competency
- Mission Operations Security Officer
- Cyber Security
- Security Engineering
- Space Mission Operations
- Ground Segment Security
- Risk Assessment
- Security Policy Implementation
- Systems Engineering
- Information Security
- ESA Security Policy
Skills & topics
- Mission Operations Security Officer
- Cyber Security
- Security Engineering
- Space Operations
- Ground Segment Security
- Risk Management
- ESA
- Aerospace
- IT Security
- Systems Security
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight security engineering, space operations, and cyber security experience. Quantify achievements.
- Address ESA requirements: Emphasize your STEM Master's degree and 2+ years of experience, or equivalent.
- Showcase technical skills: Detail experience with security standards, ground segments, and space systems.
- Demonstrate behavioural competencies: Provide examples of Result Orientation, Operational Efficiency, and Cooperation.
- Prepare for assessments: Be ready for potential selection tests and background screening.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of a Mission Operations Security Officer at ESA?
- As a Mission Operations Security Officer at ESA, you will be responsible for supporting the security of space mission operations and ground segments. This includes performing security risk assessments, implementing ESA's security policies, providing engineering support for security-related matters, and collaborating with various teams and external partners to ensure operational security.
- What educational background and experience are required for the Mission Operations Security Officer role at ESA?
- ESA requires a Master's degree in a relevant STEM domain along with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with an additional 4 years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. A strong background in security engineering, space mission operations, and cyber security is essential.
- Is experience in space security mandatory for this position at the European Space Agency?
- Yes, experience in security engineering and standards, particularly as applied to space, is mandatory for this Mission Operations Security Officer position at ESA. This ensures candidates have the specific knowledge needed for the unique challenges of space operations security.
- What are the benefits of working as a Mission Operations Security Officer at ESA in Darmstadt?
- Working at ESA in Darmstadt offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space missions, engage with a diverse international team, and work within a prestigious organization. The role provides a 4-year contract, extendable, and opportunities for professional growth in a critical field of space operations security.
- What security clearances are needed for the Mission Operations Security Officer role at ESA?
- Successful candidates for the Mission Operations Security Officer position at ESA will need to undergo basic screening and be eligible to acquire a security clearance from their national security administration. This is essential due to the sensitive nature of space mission operations and the handling of classified information.
- Are there specific certifications that are advantageous for the Mission Operations Security Officer application at ESA?
- While not mandatory, security certifications such as CISSP or CISMP are considered assets for the Mission Operations Security Officer role at ESA. Experience in managing the human factor of information security and knowledge of ground segment design and operations are also highly valued.
- What is the work arrangement for the Mission Operations Security Officer position at ESA?
- The Mission Operations Security Officer position is based at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany, indicating an on-site work arrangement. While the description doesn't explicitly state remote or hybrid options, the location is specified as Darmstadt, DE.
- What are the nationality and language requirements for this role at the European Space Agency?
- Applicants for the Mission Operations Security Officer role must be nationals of ESA Member States. Proficiency in English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another Member State language is considered an asset.