Spacecraft Operator

Argotec is an Italian aerospace company specializing in the production of small satellite platforms (from 6U Cubesats up to 250kg-platforms) and innovative products to improve the comfort of space explorers. Thanks to its facilities and know-how, the company's activities follow the "all in-house" concept, which includes design, development, integration, qualification, and operational services. At Argotec, we’re not just building satellites; we’re shaping the future of space innovation.

To support our Company’s growth, we are looking for a motivated Spacecraft Operators who will be part of our Flight Operations Unit, ensuring that mission objectives are met through precise execution, continuous monitoring and proactive schedule management.

This position involves working on a shift-based schedule to ensure continuous coverage of the satellite fleet. Shift assignments may include overnight hours, weekends and public holidays. The objective is to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 operational service, ensuring that the ground segment and network remain fully functional at all times.

We foster a collaborative environment where every Argonaut can contribute with their ideas and expertise, create meaningful value together, and transform feedback and mistakes into opportunities for learning and innovation, growing both professionally and personally, as individuals and as a team.

DUTIES

As a Spacecraft Operator, you will be responsible for the real-time health and safety of our satellite fleet. You will operate on-console, executing the Flight Operational Plan, managing ground station passes and ensuring that mission schedules are optimized and conflict-free. In addition, you will contribute to the maintenance and upgrade of the mission planning infrastructure and operational software tools.

The activities will include (but are not limited to):

• Act as the primary operator on-console, performing real-time commanding, telemetry monitoring, and ground station handover management;

• Generate and validate short-to-medium term mission schedules, ensuring all payload requests and platform constraints are respected;

• Execute Flight Operation Procedures (FOPs) for routine maintenance, orbit maneuvers, and payload activities with strict adherence to safety protocols;

• Support the Mission Data team in maintaining and upgrading the hardware and software infrastructure behind the planning system and Mission Control System (MCS);

• Identify telemetry out-of-limits (OOLs) or schedule conflicts; perform initial troubleshooting and escalate to the Flight Operations Engineer when necessary;

• Identify and log out-of-limit telemetry or unexpected behaviors; open anomaly tickets to involve the relevant teams and escalate when required to ensure timely resolution;

• Maintain detailed flight logs and provide shift-handover briefings to ensure continuity of operations across the 24/7 cycle;

• Participate in regular "Sim-Ops" and rehearsals to refine reaction times and procedural knowledge for nominal and contingency scenarios.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field;

• Proven ability to follow complex technical procedures with high precision under time-sensitive conditions;

• Availability for shift work when required is essential, particularly during mission phases to ensure operational continuity;

• Analytical mindset and continuous learning attitude;

• Strong teamwork attitude and cross-functional collaboration skills;

• Excellent written and oral communication in English.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCES & SKILLS

• Ability to interpret real-time data visualizations and recognize patterns or anomalies in satellite telemetry;

• High-level understanding of the space environment and of fundamental satellite operations concepts;

• Experience with Mission Control Software (e.g., SCOS-2000, CCS5, GEMS, or similar) and Planning/Scheduling tools;

• Solid skills in Python or Bash for automating routine tasks and maintaining infrastructure scripts;

• Ability to query, manipulate, and analyse telemetry archives (time-series data, packet-level inspection, trend extraction);

• Familiarity with telemetry databases and data formats (e.g. TM/TC packet structures, CSV/JSON exports from MCS);

• Analytical thinking, strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to fast operational dynamics.

ADDITIONAL ASSETS

• Familiarity with CCSDS protocols and ECSS operational standards;

• Familiarity with ground software automation (e.g., ASTRAL-MOIS);

• Participation in early-orbit or routine spacecraft operations.

WHY JOIN ARGOTEC?

• Opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a very innovative environment.

• Professional training and career development opportunities.

• Flexible working time schedule and a hybrid work policy.

• Monthly "Free-Day" - every second Friday: time off to dedicate to your family and/or hobbies.

• A diversified community that organizes extra-work and fun activities.

• Salary range: from 28.000€ to 35.000€

The Company reserves the right to assess the appropriate job level and compensation package based on objective criteria emerging throughout the selection process. These evaluations will be carried out in alignment with the candidate’s seniority, skills, and experience, as well as with the scope and responsibilities of the role. Any compensation proposal will be defined in compliance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity, in accordance with applicable regulations.

Our selection process is tailored to each role and includes at least a call with our Talent Acquisition Team, a technical evaluation, and a final in-person meeting. Your recruiter will share more insights during your first meeting with us!

At Argotec, we thrive on diverse perspectives and unique strengths. Your individuality could be the missing piece to our puzzle! Even if you don't meet every skill listed above, we encourage you to apply if you're passionate about the role and believe you can contribute to our team's success.

Our selection process is built on impartiality, transparency, and equal opportunity, ensuring that every candidate is evaluated based on skills, experience, and potential. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to protected categories (Law 68/99). In the event of equal qualifications, priority may be given to candidates who meet these criteria.

At Argotec, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless – for instance – of ethnic or cultural background, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and national origin.

Join us in a workplace where everyone belongs.

*This announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03.