Project System Security Officer

Closing Date: 16 August 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate:
Technology, Engineering and Quality

Position:
Project/System Security Officer (PSSO) in the System Security Section (TEC-SES), End-to-End Systems Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Scope:
The System Security Section is responsible for end-to-end system security engineering of the Agency’s missions, projects and activities across space, ground, and user segments. It covers the full stack from the physical to the application layer.

• Create and implement comprehensive security policies, procedures and access control protocols in compliance with the ESA Security Framework;
• Ensure the entire corporate information system and all assets under your responsibility are secured, managed and accounted for in accordance with the ESA Security Directives;
• Specify the security standards and practices to be adhered to by the supplier of the system;
• Proactively identify, analyse and mitigate security threats to the infrastructure;
• Contribute to the definition, analyses and consolidation of system security requirements;
• Conduct security risk assessments and support security risk management by proposing suitable mitigations and countermeasures;
• Produce or update security operating procedures (SECOPS) as needed;
• Coordinate vulnerability assessment/penetration testing on the infrastructure and ensure required mitigations are implemented;
• Contribute to the authoring of the Information Security Management Plan;
• Provide support to information security and cyber security activities related to the infrastructure under your responsibility;
• Monitor network activity for threats and manage the response, investigation and reporting of security breaches;
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws and industry regulations (e.g., ISO 27001) and perform regular security audits;
• Educate staff on security awareness, including how to recognise cyberattacks and follow security procedures;
• Collaborate with IT and management to design, implement and maintain required security tools, as well as disaster recovery plans;
• Collaborate with technical support, IT and management to scope, design, implement and support the certification/accreditation process, in coordination with the ESA accreditation authority;
• Collaborate with the wider pool of PSSOs, ISOs and security officers on new security governance activities, cross-directorate processes, implementations, improvements and lessons learned;
• Maintain security-related tools and systems and their disaster and recovery plans;
• When needed, report to executives regarding the security posture and risk levels.

Expertise in network security protocols for IT enterprise systems.

Expertise in security controls and cyber security hardening for protecting IT infrastructure (access controls, devices such as firewalls, operating systems hardening, etc.), including cloud environments and security monitoring.

Proven experience in IT security implementations, risk and vulnerability management, and compliance.

Knowledge of applied cryptography.

A master’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity or a relevant engineering discipline is required, together with at least five years of relevant professional experience.

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

Certifications in the area of the job description (such as CISSP, SANS) would be a plus.

ESA is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We 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 necessary support in the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this…