Job Description

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Secure Connectivity Lead Ground Segment System Engineer in the Secure Connectivity Ground Segment and Operations Office (CSC-IG), within the Secure Connectivity Programme Department (CSC-I) in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity, or Secure Connectivity or IRIS², is intended to support the effective development and validation of the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure and the services provided by it, as well as the validation and demonstration of services based on the commercial infrastructure developed by the contractors delivering the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure.

Reporting to the Head of the Secure Connectivity Ground Segment and Operations Office, you will be responsible for supervising all ground segment system engineering tasks related to the effective design and development of the overall IRIS² ground segment.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• supervising the end-to-end lifecycle of technical requirements applicable to the IRIS² ground segment, including functional, performance, operational, service and security requirements;
• supervising and contributing to technical reviews relating to Secure Connectivity at ground segment level, providing independent expert recommendations on industrial designs, deliverables and technical compliance;
• supervising the implementation of ground segment activities, overseeing industry progress, and ensuring the application of modern technologies and best practices;
• ensuring end‑to‑end technical consistency in all procurement activities at segment level, ensuring fairness, transparency and objectivity in supplier evaluation processes, and coordinating segment security engineering activities with the Security Office;
• liaising closely with the System Office and the Space Segment Office, in particular concerning interfaces with the space segment, external systems, and activities outside the IRIS² system scope, as well as contributing to preparations for future generations of the constellation;
• preparing and overseeing engineering and R&D activities directly supporting the development, integration, validation and evolution of the IRIS² ground segment, providing supervisory‑level recommendations;
• monitoring schedules, risks and issues proactively, identifying critical areas for the ground segment, reviewing industrial mitigation measures, and providing recommendations to ESA management and the System Office;
• monitoring changes within the ground segment scope, ensuring configuration consistency, proper impact analysis and traceability of all modifications;
• supervising verification, validation and qualification activities at ground segment level, ensuring alignment with system‑level requirements and readiness for deployment and operations;
• coordinating a team of ESA and external personnel in the performance of their duties;
• in cases of delegated responsibility from project management, addressing programmatic aspects, including schedule and risk management;
• supporting interactions with delegations and partners as required.

Technical competencies

Proven experience in systems engineering for complex ground segment systems, with the ability to provide guidance and independent technical judgementDemonstrated experience in the development and the integration of large-scale software systemsExperience in overseeing verification, qualification and acceptance processes at subsystem and system level, including the ability to assess industrial plans, review verification evidence and provide supervisory recommendations to ensure compliance with system requirementsStrong capability in requirements management for large‑scale space or terrestrial communications programmes, including the ability to oversee requirements definition, decomposition, allocation and traceability across system levels, and to advise on the handling of evolving or emerging requirementsSolid experience in defining, managing and validating subsystem interfaces, ensuring consistent end‑to‑end integration. Ability to review interface definitions and provide recommendations and detailed designsDemonstrated ability to supervise and monitor industrial activities, including technical oversight, evaluation of proposals, participation in contract negotiations, and advisory support during major technical reviews and key decision pointsExpertise in risk management at programme and system level, including the identification of technical and programmatic risks, review of mitigation plans, and assessment of potential impacts on project cost, schedule and performance

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

• Experience in satellite communications/satellite constellations and/or 5G technology domains would be considered a strong asset.
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills.
• Strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing.
• The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.
• Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications company or operator would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience in public-private partnership projects would be an asset.
• Public speaking experience and the ability to conceptualise complex ideas would be beneficial.
• Experience of working in projects with a security dimension would be beneficial.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.