End-to-End Navigation System Engineer

This is a  fixed-term appointment  with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
End-to-End Navigation System Engineer in the Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section, End-to-End Systems Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Our team and mission
You will be based in the Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section. The Section provides expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of radio navigation systems and techniques (positioning, navigation and timing, in particular global navigation satellite systems) throughout all project phases.

The Section manages a vast portfolio of R&D and commercial technology development activities, spanning programmes such as the Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP), the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and InCubed. We actively explore multidisciplinary application areas, focusing on innovative concepts, cutting‑edge technologies and strengthening European commercial competitiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities

acting as Technical Officer for a diverse portfolio of commercial R&D contracts, overseeing activities from the idea pitch phase through to the final review, enhancing project outcomes and ensuring continuous improvement

evaluating the commercial landscape and business plans for proposed technologies (e.g. New Space initiatives, autonomous systems, maritime and railway PVT applications), monitoring market success risks and maintaining alignment with programme objectives

providing broad technical expertise across the evolving positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) landscape, including hybrid positioning techniques, multi‑sensor data fusion, LEO‑PNT concepts, and alternative PNT solutions

driving technology developments related to PNT resilience against modern global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) threats (jamming, spoofing and meaconing), including the evaluation of systems based on controlled reception pattern, robust receiver designs and advanced resilient navigation concepts

defining, guiding, and supporting hands‑on test campaigns within the ESTEC Navigation Laboratory to evaluate, prototype and verify new commercial PNT technologies, resilient systems and third‑party equipment

managing end‑to‑end procurement processes, which entails preparing statements of work, leading Tender Evaluation Boards, conducting contract negotiations and monitoring industrial milestone execution

continuously identifying potential risks throughout the project lifecycle, interacting proactively with industrial partners to implement mitigation strategies that minimise impacts on deliverables and timelines

engaging actively in cross‑directorate cooperation, proposing new and innovative R&D activities, and capturing and disseminating technical knowledge across the Agency

Technical competencies

Broad understanding of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technologies, R&D trends, and the commercial industrial landscape.

Solid technical background in resilient navigation systems, including physical layer security, anti‑jamming/anti‑spoofing techniques and alternative/complementary PNT.

Proven experience in technology business development, assessing commercial viability and business plan management for Earth observation or navigation commercial applications.

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation).

Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in formal technical reviews.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education And Professional Experience
A master's degree in telecommunication engineering or another relevant domain is…