Automation / DevOps Engineer – ESA (Darmstadt, Germany)

We’re supporting one of our key clients who manage part of the technical area of the European Space Agency (ESA), in their search for an experienced Automation / DevOps Engineer to join their Network Operations Centre (NOC) team at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany.

This position plays a vital role in maintaining and operating ESA’s Mission Operations Infrastructure, which supports a diverse range of European space missions. The NOC operates around the clock, providing first-line monitoring, service desk support, and advanced technical services.

As an Automation / DevOps Engineer, you’ll lead digital transformation initiatives focused on improving the delivery and efficiency of IT services through intelligent automation. You’ll design and implement automation solutions that enhance operational performance, improve service quality, and contribute to ESA’s ongoing innovation in space mission operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and drive automation opportunities across IT service delivery and operational processes.
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to translate service requirements into effective automated solutions.
• Support the Service Management Team in evolving the service offering to meet ESA’s dynamic operational needs.
• Integrate automation tools with ITSM platforms to streamline incident, problem, and change management workflows.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated processes, ensuring reliability, scalability, and compliance.
• Monitor and analyse automation performance to ensure efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Promote the adoption of new automation technologies and best practices across the NOC.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, briefings, and workshops as required.
• Produce regular reports and documentation for operational transparency.
• Serve as a key interface between ESA teams and service operations.

Skills & Experience

• 3+ years of experience in IT service management, operations, or automation engineering.
• Strong background in project management (Prince2, PMP, or Six Sigma certification desirable).
• Practical expertise with automation and orchestration platforms (certification in automation preferred).
• Hands-on experience with tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or Terraform.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
• Familiarity with ITSM platforms and workflow automation integration.
• Working knowledge of networking concepts, virtualization, and operating systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to document, present, and train others on technical procedures.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).
• EU work eligibility required.

What’s on Offer

• Relocation allowance (includes one-way flight, airport transfer, and one month of paid accommodation).
• Hybrid working model.
• 30% discount on Deutschland ticket.
• Gym membership discount.
• Private pension scheme.
• Corporate benefits and discounts.
• 30 days of annual holiday.

If you’re passionate about automation and innovation within the European space sector, and want to be part of a team supporting world-leading missions, we’d love to hear from you.