System Engineer

Location: Noordwijk

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Closing Date: 15 July 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate:
Technology, Engineering and Quality

System Engineer in the Cube Sat Systems Unit, In-Orbit Technology Demonstration and Validation Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Cube Sat Systems Unit is responsible for the project management and system engineering of Cube Sat satellite missions for in-orbit technology demonstrations implemented within the Directorate and delegated by other directorates. The Unit also provides technical support to programme directorates as required in the area of Cube Sat systems.

Duties
You will report to the Head of Unit and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

managing and leading the system engineering of your assigned in-orbit demonstration Cube Sat projects in all phases from conception to post-flight review;

leading the preparation, procurement and implementation of the industrial activities for your assigned Cube Sat projects, and ensuring delivery within programmatic constraints (budget and schedule) and to tailored engineering and quality standards;

coordinating specialised engineering and product assurance support from within the ESA Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and the Directorate of Operations to your assigned Cube Sat projects in order to continuously and proactively manage risks and related mitigation actions;

providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in system engineering for in-orbit demonstration and Cube Sat systems throughout all project phases;

participating in CDF studies, feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluations of procurement proposals;

contributing to the Unit’s lessons learned process in order to continuously improve processes and working approaches for Cube Sat project management and system engineering;

contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency's Technology programmes;

initiating and managing R&D activities covering long- and short-term needs in Cube Sat systems for in-orbit demonstration;

monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends in Cube Sat systems and technologies, maintaining state-of-the-art expertise, and proposing new innovative IOD mission concepts for study.

Duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Spacecraft systems knowledge

Space project experience in phases A–D, preferably in Cube Sat or other small satellite projects

Hands‑on space hardware experience

Understanding of space technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Experience in managing and monitoring industrial activities, and participation in project reviews

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

A master’s degree in aerospace engineering or a major scientific discipline is required for this post together with four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience may be considered.

Additional requirements

Experience in space projects, including a background in spacecraft system or subsystem design, engineering and AIV aspects;

Specific knowledge of Cube Sat systems and related miniaturised technologies, technology demonstration projects and industrial experience;

Experience in deep space missions, close proximity operations or distributed systems (e.g. constellations or swarms) would be considered an asset.

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…