Senior Build & Deployment Engineer (Linux)

Job Introduction:

Serco has made significant contributions at EUMETSAT in Darmstadt, supporting a diverse range of meteorological satellite missions and projects. Serco provides essential engineering, technical, and management services, playing a crucial role in the operation and maintenance of satellite ground segments. Its expertise in satellite control, data processing, and system integration has earned the company accolades, including “Excellence in Service” awards from EUMETSAT. Serco’s dedicated efforts ensure the reliable dissemination of vital weather and climate data, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of meteorological satellite operations.

We are seeking a Senior Build & Deployment Engineer (Linux) to join our ICT service team at EUMETSAT. You will focus on Linux administration, software build and deployment, configuration management, CI/CD, and operational support across established and operationally critical systems. The role will also involve software packaging, artifact management, file transfers across separated security domains, and maintaining accurate operational procedures.

This position requires hands-on experience with Linux, Ansible, Git/GitLab, CI/CD tools, scripting, package management, and enterprise infrastructure tooling. You will work within a controlled operational environment, following documented processes while contributing to the improvement and automation of the team's systems and procedures.

You will work in a large-scale, 24/7 operational environment supporting distributed, mixed Windows and Linux systems.

The main technologies include:

• Windows Server, PowerShell, Active Directory and Windows Registry.
• WSUS / Intune for centralised, offline patch and update management.
• MSI, NuGet and EXE software packaging and deployment.
• Ansible as the automation standard across Windows and Linux.
• GitLab, Jenkins, Nexus, Harbor and Subversion.
• VMware virtualisation and Device42 for system inventory.
• Jira and Confluence for operational tracking and documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the build and deployment activities for new programmes, working with project stakeholders and advising external suppliers on software delivery and operational readiness.
• Design and establish build, packaging and deployment pipelines for new releases and patches, and continuously improve them.
• Support supplier development teams with build, versioning and release strategies, resolving complex technical issues and providing guidance where needed.
• Review software delivery documentation and acceptance-test material, ensuring deliveries meet the required technical and operational standards.
• Transition established projects into routine build and deployment, maintaining consistent automation, tools and scripting standards.
• Take ownership of complex escalations and non-routine incidents, investigating and resolving issues that require deeper technical expertise.

Skills and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in Linux build, release or deployment engineering; 8+ years for expert-level roles.
• Strong Linux administration and troubleshooting experience across distributed, production environments.
• Hands-on experience with automated OS provisioning at scale and advanced Ansible, including defining standards and best practices.
• Strong knowledge of software build systems, Linux packaging and deployment processes.
• Experience with version control, release management and scripting using Bash, Python or Perl.
• Practical experience with change management and security, including system hardening, secure protocols and vulnerability testing.
• Experience working in a large-scale, 24/7 operational environment.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related discipline.

Nice to have:

• Experience with Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, high-availability or cluster technologies, and distributed file systems.
• Familiarity with OpenText Dimensions CM, MySQL or Oracle.
• Working knowledge of C, C++, C# or Java, particularly for understanding build systems and dependencies.
• Experience in space, aviation, defence, nuclear or other regulated operational environments.

Package Description:

• Relocation allowance (flight to Germany, airport transport, one month paid accommodation).
• Hybrid working model for flexibility.
• 30% discount on the Deutschland ticket for easy travel.
• Subsidised Wellpass – access to 12,500+ fitness and wellness options across Germany.
• Pension and health schemes.
• Corporate Benefits discounts.
• 30 days of holiday for balance and exploration.

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.