Lead End-to-End Performance Engineer

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Closing Date: 7 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:
Internal & External

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

Directorate:
Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity

Lead End-to-End Performance Engineer, reporting to SAGA Project Manager within the RNCProjects Department in the Directorate of Resiliance, Navigation and Connectivity.

The SAGA Project aims to develop and deploy an end-to-end space mission for Quantum Key Distribution. The project focuses on the development of critical QKD technologies by Europeanindustry up to preliminary service validation, which will become the EuroQCI 1st Generationcomponent (space and related ground/user segment) and shall help to prepare for a EuroQCIoperational system definition.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• manage the overall end-to-end system performance of the SAGA mission in close co-operation with industry;
• lead the definition of all mission and system requirements, including external and internal (between segments) interface requirements, and allocating segmentrequirements;
• monitor the traceability of requirements from user/service, to mission, to system, to segment and down to equipment/payload level;
• manage performance models to estimate system-level performances of the SAGA mission (space, ground and user segments);
• monitor and maintain the system level and segment performance budgets in line with SAGA mission requirements and space segment design during all mission phases;
• monitor industrial development and verification activities to ensure proper verification including resolving non-conformances; supporting the assessment of deviations, waivers;
• moordinate with PA, Space Segment, Payload & User segment and Security leads during development, integration and testing activities for the resolution of activity deviations;
• provide regular reporting to project management on all aspects of competence, identifying risks and problem areas and proposing mitigation actions, where appropriate;
• contribute to the management of the schedule and propose schedule risk mitigation actions within the area of responsibility;
• monitor the industrial preparation for in-orbit spacecraft commissioning and service provision in collaboration with project teams and ground teams, as necessary;
• potentially assuming responsibility, delegated from the SAGA Project Manager, for programmatic aspects, and directly interacting with delegations and partners as required;
• lead a team of engineers and specialised engineering support from the ESA Technology, Engineering, Quality and Operations Directorates.

Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of equipment, subsystem, satellite and overall mission requirments definiton, design and development

Experience with system level Assembly Integration & Test

Knowledge of ESA procurement processes

Understanding of industrial costs, schedule and project risk management processes

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

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post together with 4years 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.

Relevant previous project experience and, in particular, technical competence in Optical and/or QKD technology is a distinctive asset

You should have the ability to adapt to new working methods and environments. Youmust be able to build efficient working relationships, communicate effectively and contribute to fostering positive attitudes to change and, thus, to the success of an innovative programme.

In addition, you should have:

• strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutionsboth orally and in writing;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day challenges proactively and constructively;
• the ability to anticipate risks and identify the need for additional expert support in atimely manner;
• understanding of and experience in tailoring space standards;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.

An experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities is an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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