On-board Computers and Data Handling Engineer (3 Positions

On-board Computers and Data Handling Engineer (3 Positions)

Job

Requisition

Date Posted: 31 July 2026

Closing Date: 28 August 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication:
Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate:
Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace:
Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location:

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

This vacancy is published to recruit for either: an appointment of 4 years, extendable to an indefinite duration; or a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years that depending on performance and organisational needs, may be extended up to a maximum total duration of 8 years.

Description
On-board Computers and Data Handling Engineer in the Data Handling Section, Avionics and EEE Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Data Handling Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) concerning turnkey onboard hardware data handling solutions, with an emphasis on:

platform and payload data handling architectures and their building blocks (equipment/units, modules and key components);

platform units such as onboard computers, mass memories, remote terminals and instrument control units*;

digital and analogue signal processing electronics for payload/platform functions*;

front-end acquisition and processing chain electronics*;

interfaces, buses, networks and associated protocols (high, medium and low speed), for onboard data transfers, and command and control functions;

platform data handling functions related to security, data authentication, encryption/decryption and compression;

the use of microelectronics devices, including COTS, in the development of platform data handling and payload data processing equipment;

the implementation, inference, verification and validation of algorithms
** on data processing hardware platforms for space applications
** in close collaboration with other discipline experts, such as software, microelectronics and applications engineers.

except for RF payloads.

including artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.

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

providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the fields of onboard computers, platform and payload data handling and processing systems, throughout all project phases;

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

identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;

contributing to the definition of technology development requirements, roadmaps and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;

defining, initiating and managing R&D activities addressing both short- and long-term ESA mission needs;

fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting‑edge technologies and system architectures;

conducting 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 and lessons learned across the Agency.

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

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

Hands‑on hardware development and testing experience for onboard data handling and payload data processing elements (modules and units)

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

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as statements of work, proposal reviews and evaluations

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

Experience in technology roadmap definition and harmonisation

Be…