Junior Space System Engineer (m/f/d)

Job description

Position Description:

CGI is a European leader in Space Ground Segment systems and services in the domains of Earth Observation, Navigation, Satellite Communications, Space Safety and Mission Operations. We provide critical services and solutions to European & national agencies and institutions, the scientific community, the commercial sector, as well as to the wider public. We are both major contributors to, and act as thought leaders in, several key European space initiatives including the Copernicus and Galileo programs, designing, and developing cutting edge solutions for our clients.
In this role, you will contribute to missions and systems that enable critical European space capabilities, including Earth observation, navigation, and space safety.
The European Space market is dynamic, evolving and rapidly growing. CGI is now looking to further expand our business in this area, building on our more than 40-year successful heritage. We are therefore seeking a Space System Engineer to support this growth.
As a Junior Space System Engineer (m/f/d), you will work on cutting-edge space systems and in-space operations and services, including autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). This position spans institutional projects (ESA/EUMETSAT/EU), commercial ventures, as well defense programs, contributing to advanced CONOPS development, GNC-related system aspects, and end-to-end mission architectures—from early-phase studies to operations.

Your future duties and responsibilities:

·  Contribute to space systems engineering for complex systems-of-systems: support end-to-end systems engineering across satellite constellations, servicing spacecraft, ground infrastructure, and inter-segment interfaces

·  Contribute to the development of CONOPS (Concept of Operations): define mission timelines, operational states/modes (e.g., LEOP, safehold, nominal ops, contingency, emergency), and support definition of state transitions, FDIR strategies, and operational procedures

·  Design operational concepts for in-space services (e.g., refueling, inspection, debris removal, robotic operations, life extension)

·  Support specification and review of GNC and RPO functions at system level (sensors/actuators, guidance profiles, control performance, safety constraints

·  Algorithmic design, analysis, and software implementation of GNC/RPO algorithms (using Python/MATLAB/C++ in simulation or flight software environments)

·  Support design/validation of operational concepts for satellite control, ground systems, and automation in large constellations/service missions.

·  Prepare/review technical documentation (CONOPS documents, SRD, ICD, V&V plans).

·  Contribute to simulation/test campaigns (MIL/SIL/HIL) for rendezvous, formation flying, collision avoidance, servicing ops.

·  Interface with software and operations teams for end-to-end integration.

Required qualifications to be successful in this role:

·  Initial professional experience (e.g., through industry roles, research projects, or internships) in space systems engineering, satellite operations, GNC, mission analysis, or ground segment engineering

·  A university degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Systems, Robotics, Control Engineering, Physics, or a related field — or equivalent practical knowledge

·  Solid understanding of orbital mechanics and mission design

·  Structured, analytical, and solution-oriented working style
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines

·  Excellent written and spoken English; German is a plus.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in at least one of the following areas:

·  GNC / RPO: Knowledge of guidance, navigation, and control methods for spacecraft, including relative navigation and control strategies

·  Mission Operations / CONOPS: Experience with operational concepts, mission timelines, state/mode definitions, FDIR, and contingency planning

·  In-Orbit Services / Robotics: Familiarity with satellite servicing (e.g., inspection, refueling, debris removal), robotic systems, or multi-spacecraft coordination

·  Systems Engineering & Integration: Experience working with complex space systems, interfaces, and system-level design

·  Software & Simulation: Programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++) for analysis, simulation, or implementation

Additional experience in one or more of the following areas is beneficial:

·  Mega-constellation architecture and operations

·  In-space operations/services or on-orbit robotics

·  RPO safety, autonomy, and FDIR

·  Ground-to-space and space-to-space communication systems

·  Mission control, planning systems, and M&C frameworks

·  Requirements engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, SysML/UML)

·  ESA/ECSS standards and participation in project reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, ORR)

·  Satcom, GOVSATCOM, or secure communication systems

·  AI/ML applications in space (e.g., autonomous operations, anomaly detection)

·  Experience in customer-facing roles, proposals, or technical coordination

You don’t need to meet every single requirement listed. If your background is relevant and you are motivated to grow in this domain, we encourage you to apply.

What we offer

CGI offers our employees an exciting and flexible work environment in which to build their careers. This is especially reflected within our Space business which offers a corporate culture built around diverse teams, international collaboration, flat hierarchies and open communication.

CGI’s values emphasise our commitment to work in partnership with our clients by providing objectivity and integrity in all of our undertakings, whilst also delivering quality solutions and services. We also place a strong focus on Corporate Social Responsibility, encouraging and supporting our employees in the continuous improvement of the economic, social and environmental well-being of the communities in which they live and work. This is further reflected in the company’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Consistent with our dream of creating an environment in which we enjoy working together, CGI is committed to fostering and maintaining professional workplaces that respect the dignity of all members. CGI is unconditionally inclusive and we are constantly evolving and creating new network that support and promote the richness of our diversity, equity and inclusion across our organization.

In addition to the above, CGI offers the following:

·  At CGI, we view our professionals as company owners. A set percentage of your salary can be invested in CGI shares, and CGI matches your contribution, up to a set maximum.

·  Flexible working hours and conditions to optimise your work/life balance (35h-40h/week), 30 days of holidays, numerous special leave days (e.g. wedding, birth, relocation, etc.)

·  In addition, sabbatical or parental leave is supported.

·  Bicycle leasing schemes

·  Corporate benefits providing attractive CGI employee discounts from well-known brands and providers.

·  A strong focus on continued learning and development

·  An exciting, challenging and diverse environment where you can grow your career as part of a great team

·  A great corporate culture built around international collaboration, flat hierarchies and open communication

·  A company committed to be carbon neutral by 2030 with a strong focus on Corporate Social Responsibility – contributing to the communities we live in.

What you can expect from us:

Together, as owners, let’s turn meaningful insights into action.

1976 gegründet und nach wie vor familiengeführt, ist CGI heute einer der weltweit größten unabhängigen Anbieter von IT und Business Consulting. Ein hohes Maß an Eigenverantwortung, Teamwork, Respekt und Zusammenhalt machen das Arbeiten bei uns besonders. Bei uns kannst du dein volles Potenzial entfalten!

Du darfst dich vom ersten Tag an als Miteigentümer:in von CGI verstehen. Wir lassen unsere Vision gemeinsam Wirklichkeit werden. Wir profitieren von unserem gemeinsamen Erfolg und haben die Möglichkeit und die Verantwortung, die Strategie und Ausrichtung unseres Unternehmens aktiv mitzugestalten.

Deine Arbeit schafft Mehrwert. Du findest innovative Lösungen und stärkst dein Netzwerk aus Kolleg:innen und Kunden. Gleichzeitig hast du Zugang zu globalen Ressourcen, um große Ideen zu verwirklichen, neue Chancen zu nutzen und von der immensen Branchen- und Technologie-Kompetenz zu profitieren.

Du bringst deine Karriere voran, da du in einem Unternehmen arbeitest, das auf Wachstum und Langlebigkeit ausgelegt ist. Du wirst von Führungskräften unterstützt, die deine Gesundheit und Zufriedenheit fördern – und dir Möglichkeiten bieten, deine Fähigkeiten zu vertiefen und deinen Horizont zu erweitern.