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SMP Simulation Expert

Role overview

Summary

This role focuses on developing advanced satellite simulation software for Telespazio Germany, supporting ESA’s European Space Operations Centre. You will bridge computer science and aerospace by creating reliable C++ models and mentoring junior engineers, ensuring high-performance software environments for critical mission simulators.

Qualifications

  • Extensive experience in spacecraft model development using the ECSS SMP (or SMP2) standard.
  • Advanced proficiency in C++ programming and Object-Oriented Design (UML/UMF).
  • Proven ability to understand and summarize complex spacecraft technical documentation.
  • Strong background in requirements management and tracing throughout the software life cycle.
  • Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the design, development, and maintenance of efficient C++ code for satellite subsystem models.
  • Translate technical spacecraft documentation into functional software models for Linux-based environments.
  • Lead the software life cycle from initial design through to validation and maintenance for customers like ESA and EUMETSAT.
  • Oversee the work of junior engineers and manage task distribution across the development team.

Key facts

Hard skills

Other skills

  • Problem Solving
  • Communication

About the company

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Leonardo

  • Defense
  • XLarge
  • 26,860–26,860
Leonardo is a global high-tech player in Aerospace, Defence and Security. We are inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, a universally recognised symbol of creativity and innovation. Our new name follows our business rationalisation in which we absorbed the activities of AgustaWestland, Alenia Aermacchi, OTO Melara, Selex ES and WASS into one company. With headquarters in Italy and over 50,000 employees, Leonardo operates across 15 countries with offices and industrial plants across five continents. It has a consolidated industrial presence in four main markets, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and Poland, and an important network of strategic partnerships in the main high potential markets worldwide. Leonardo offers a wide range of defence and security solutions to Governments, Institutions, and citizens that includes every possible intervention scenario: aerial and terrestrial, naval and maritime, space and cyberspace. We work closely with local customers and partners to strengthen global security, provide essential physical protection and cybersecurity services for people, territories and infrastructure networks and support scientific and technological research. Leonardo operates through five Divisions: - Aerostructures - Aircraft - Electronics- Helicopters - Cyber & Security SolutionsWe also maintain Parent Company and Corporate Centre functions for the following subsidiaries and joint ventures: - Leonardo DRS (defence products, services and integrated support) - Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space (satellite services and space manufacture) - MBDA (missile systems) - ATR (regional aircraft) Luciano Carta has been the Chairman since 20 May 2020 and Alessandro Profumo has been the CEO since 16 May 2017.

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Job description

Job Description:

Telespazio Germany is seeking a passionate Software Engineer to develop advanced satellite simulation software in an international, informal environment directly supporting ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt.

You will bridge the gap between computer science and aerospace by designing reliable C++ models for satellite subsystems and maintaining the high-performance software environments used by ESA, EUMETSAT, and Galileo.

This role combines hands-on technical development with the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and take on leadership responsibilities for critical mission simulators. We value curiosity and the ability to translate complex hardware documentation into sophisticated software solutions that meet the evolving demands of the space domain.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the design, development, and maintenance of efficient C++ code for satellite subsystem models.

  • Translate technical spacecraft documentation into functional software models for Linux-based environments.

  • Lead the software life cycle from initial design through to validation and maintenance for customers like ESA and EUMETSAT.

  • Oversee the work of junior engineers and manage task distribution across the development team.

  • Participate in project milestones, including technical reviews and the tracking of Review Items for Discrepancies (RIDs).

  • Ensure simulators meet evolving performance demands for high-fidelity mission training and validation.

  • Liaise with ESA technical leads to align software delivery with mission operational concepts.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

  • Extensive experience in spacecraft model development using the ECSS SMP (or SMP2) standard.

  • Advanced proficiency in C++ programming and Object-Oriented Design (UML/UMF).

  • Proven ability to understand and summarize complex spacecraft technical documentation.

  • Strong background in requirements management and tracing throughout the software life cycle.

  • Experience mentoring junior staff and leading small technical teams.

  • Logical and pragmatic problem-solving skills.

  • Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Desirable Skills

  • Familiarity with the ESA/ESOC SIMULUS suite and the SIMSAT runtime kernel.

  • Experience with modern CI/CD tools such as Maven, GitLab, Nexus, and SonarQube.

  • Knowledge of Space Engineering Standards (ECSS-E-ST-40) and the Packet Utilisation Standard (ECSS-E-70).

  • Background in the GNSS/Navigation field or satellite AIV (Assembly, Integration, and Verification).

  • Understanding of spacecraft databases, such as SCOS MIB or EGS-CC CDM.

Furthermore

  • A citizenship of an EU or ESA member state is mandatory.

Seniority:

Junior

Primary Location:

DE - Darmstadt - Europahaus

Additional Locations:

DE - Spain - Remote Spain

Contract Type:

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid

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