Propagation Engineer

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Closing Date: 4 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:
Internal & External

Type of Appointment ( learn more) : 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate:
Technology, Engineering and Quality

Propagation Engineer in the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section, Radio Frequency Payloads and Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Wave Interaction and Propagation Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field(s) of:

• wave propagation relevant to space communications, navigation and remote sensing;
• wave interaction for active, passive and combined remote sensing of the ocean, land and atmosphere of the Earth and other planets;
• in situ characterisation of the interaction/propagation environment;
• data processing and data science techniques, simulation and performance evaluation tools;

relating to:

• modelling and experimental validation;
• associated processing, mitigation, retrieval, correction and calibration algorithms for product generation. For remote sensing, this includes algorithmic developments relevant to Lvl1 and Lvl2 ground processing;
• remote sensing, design and validation of onboard processing functions/algorithms for payload data products, image processing and optical payload data compression;
• relevant end-to-end performance assessment, including contributions to data product quality monitoring and improvement.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency's technology programmes;
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• laboratory activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your area of competence.

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

Experience with the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods

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

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience with laboratory or field campaigns

Experience in the preparation and management of industrial and scientific activities, including participation in reviews

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

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.

• Strong experience in wave propagation modelling (RF and optical) relevant to telecommunications and/or navigation and in the associated characterisation of the propagation environment
• Knowledge of telecommunications and navigation concepts, including signal structure, and awareness of related remote sensing concepts
• Experience in the development of propagation channel models
• Knowledge of deriving environment-related requirements for navigation receivers and reference stations
• Experience in defining and using performance simulation tools and in conducting simulations and end-to-end performance analyses
• Familiarity with the definition and implementation of laboratory tests and propagation campaigns
• Experience in a project environment working on procurement and monitoring of industrial activities
• Awareness of standardisation bodies relevant to the field of wave propagation, such as ITU-R and 3
  
  GPP

Particular importance will be attached to the ability to interact with both the scientific and engineering communities.

A PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline would be considered advantageous.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity…