Introduction
Serco is a trusted leader in Space Services, with a proud history spanning over 55 years and a track record of supporting more than 50 space missions for world-renowned agencies like ESA and NASA. Our expertise covers the entire space lifecycle—from satellite testing and launch services to spacecraft operations, space surveillance, and data management—making us a key partner in advancing national strategies and driving innovation in the New Space era.
We are currently searching for an experienced and dynamic Software Engineer to join our international team in Rome. The job holder will be involved in the Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) operational activities. The PDGS is an operational system responsible for receiving, processing, disseminating and archiving data collected by the satellite's payload instruments.
The Community You Will Join
You will work in an international, diverse team, surrounded by top-tier scientists, engineers, and technical experts who inspire and challenge you every day. You’ll have ongoing opportunities to grow through specialized training and professional development tailored to the space sector, all while being part of a company that genuinely values work-life balance, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. As you contribute to innovative projects and mission-critical systems, you’ll gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies and collaborate closely with major space agencies, becoming part of something truly extraordinary.
The Difference You Will Make
You will contribute directly to some of Europe’s most exciting space programmes, from Earth observation and climate monitoring to satellite navigation and space safety. Your work will play a vital role in ensuring mission success, enabling better decision-making on Earth and driving innovation in orbit. Whether you’re helping managing spacecraft operations, analysing mission data, or supporting software and systems development, your expertise will help move Europe’s space ambitions forward.
Your Mission
In this role, the successful candidate will step into the heart of PDGS operations, helping to ensure the system’s readiness while managing the full lifecycle of Earth Observation data, from processing and dissemination to archiving and real-time monitoring. You will configure and integrate software modules, develop tools and scripts to streamline data flows, and apply their Linux shell and Python expertise to daily maintenance and operational tasks. You will support testing, verification, and the smooth introduction of new missions, requirements, and system evolutions, while assisting with incident management and second-level technical support. Alongside these hands-on responsibilities, you will contribute to operational plans, procedures, technical documentation, and regular reports, actively participating in meetings and audits to keep the project aligned, efficient, and continuously improving.
What You Bring to the Mission
You bring a strong technical foundation, moving confidently across languages such as PHP, JavaScript, Java, Python, and HTML, while navigating Linux systems, Docker environments, and virtual platforms like Kubernetes and VMware with ease. You are comfortable working within complex system architectures, ideally with experience in data centers or ground segment environments, and apply best practices in software configuration control, anomaly management, validation, and testing.
With a proactive, analytical mindset and a sharp curiosity, you will take ownership of challenges, investigate anomalies, and craft clear technical documentation, from requirements and design notes to reports and minutes. Your ability to collaborate, share knowledge, and communicate effectively in English (and preferably Italian) will allow you to thrive in a team setting, even while managing multiple priorities at once. Experience setting up virtual environments on physical or cloud platforms, along with a readiness to travel within Europe, will further support your success as you contribute to a dynamic, evolving technical landscape.
What We Offer: More Than Just a Job
At Serco, we believe your career should come with more than a payslip, it should come with peace of mind, flexibility, and opportunities to thrive. That’s why we’ve built a benefits package designed to support you and your family, both inside and outside of work. Here, you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll step into a place where your long-term growth is planned and supported through a clear career path and continuous training opportunities that help you evolve with confidence. You can enjoy the freedom of a hybrid working style, complemented by full health and life insurance that brings peace of mind to you and your loved ones. And as an added perk, you’ll benefit from exclusive discounts at selected shops, making everyday life a little more rewarding while you build your future with us.
About Serco:
Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA. We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security. We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation/remote sensing, launch providers and much more.