Space Segment Product Engineer

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Closing Date: 22 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate:
Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity

Location
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Space Segment Product Engineer in the Space Segment Section, Technology and Products Division, Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

Reporting to the Head of the Space Segment Section, you will be responsible for the management of space segment (platform and payload) technology and product development activities for satellite communication applications. Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• initiating, monitoring and controlling, in collaboration with the Procurement Department, the Strategic Programme Line managers and other relevant departments of ESA, ARTES Industrial Competitiveness (IC) and other ARTES Programme Line activities relating to space segment product development for satellite communications;
• managing the implementation of activities relating to space segment products;
• reviewing business cases and market assumptions of both ESA- and industry-initiated space segment development activities;
• contributing to the ESA-initiated activities targeting space segment activities, including workplan preparation;
• identifying and defining space segment product needs and innovation for future satellite communication services;
• contributing to market intelligence monitoring and strategic initiatives;
• supporting the promotion of the directorate’s programmes, as well as the socioeconomic impact analysis;
• coordinating expert technical support provided by other ESA organisational units, such as the Directorate of Operations and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, as required, to ensure effective initiation and management of activities;
• reporting regularly on the progress, status, schedule and outcome of activities, including realistic forecasting of milestone completion dates.

Experience in managing space segment technology and product development activities carried out by industry for commercial satellite communication applications

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Knowledge of satcom space segment system architectures, products, market and business case analysis

Knowledge of payload and platform architectures, technologies and sub-systems, preferably in the context of space telecommunication applications

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering or scientific domain 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.

Experience in space segment technology and equipment, subsystem design and development.

Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications operator and European industry, as well as an in-depth understanding of operating within a European agency framework, would be distinct advantages.

Understanding of satellite communications market dynamics, business plan and market trends as well as disruptive innovation strategies.

You should also demonstrate strong negotiation skills and have contract or subcontract management experience.

Specific knowledge and development experience in the following sub-systems will be an asset: satellite platform sub-systems (e.g. propulsion, power and electrical architecture).

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer,…