IT Administrator for European Space Agency (ESA)

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 ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability 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 and New Space ventures who want to scale their businesses/organizations with skilled talent.

On behalf of our client, the European Space Agency (ESA), we are looking for an IT Administrator.

Join SMITH+ (Science Management IT Hub) and support the IT backbone behind ESA’s science and engineering work.

You will provide backend support across key systems such as file services, SharePoint, backups, bespoke applications, and secure FTP infrastructure.

Working closely with the Science Laboratory team, you will help design and deliver tailored IT solutions for spacecraft instrument testing, electronics development and other laboratory systems.

You will use ESA’s corporate IT tools where possible, while developing custom setups to meet the specific needs of laboratory environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain VMware virtual datacentres, including vApps, virtual networks, resource provisioning, and configuration management through vCloud Director.
• Manage SharePoint environments (On-Premises and Online), overseeing site collections, permissions, lists, workflows, and content pages to ensure optimal performance and accessibility.
• Configure, monitor, and maintain network zones and traffic rules, ensuring secure and efficient operation across protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, DNS, FTP/SFTP, and SSH.
• Administer Windows Server environments, including patch management, performance optimisation, role-based access control, DNS, DHCP, and file services.
• Oversee the lifecycle management of hardware, software licences, and vendor support agreements, ensuring compliance and operational continuity.
• Manage and maintain technical workstations with diverse hardware and software configurations to support organisational needs.
  
  

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, information systems, or similar.
• DevOps & CI/CD: Proven experience with GitLab pipelines, automated deployments, and version control system integration.
• Linux Administration: Strong hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Ubuntu, including package management, system configuration, and command-line administration.
• Web Server Management: Proficiency in configuring, securing, and tuning IIS and Apache web servers for optimal performance.
• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS): Practical experience managing AD DS environments, including user/group administration, Group Policy Objects (GPOs), and domain trust relationships.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Ability to understand and troubleshoot issues across multiple programming languages and codebases.
  
  

Profile

• MSSQL Administration: Experience with database backups, performance optimization, and implementation of security best practices.
• DevOps Practices: Familiarity with modern DevOps methodologies, automation, and supporting tools.
• Programming: Working knowledge of Python for scripting and automation tasks.
• Containerization: Experience with Docker for containerized application deployment and management.
• Candidates must be EU nationals.
  
  

On Offer

• Pension and health insurance plans.
• Commuting and relocation support.
• Training and career development.
• Social and sports activities on site.
• A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs.
  

Relocation

• The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.
• Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.
  
  

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.