Telecommunication Systems Product Engineer

European Space Agency

European Space Agency

Product

Posted on Apr 24, 2026

Telecommunication Systems Product Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20526
Date Posted: 24 April 2026
Closing Date: 15 May 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External
Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite
Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications
Workplace:

Harwell, GB Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Telecommunication Systems Product Engineer in the Ground Segment Section, Technology and Products Division, Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

As your main assignment, you will support the AIDAN Next public private partnership project.

The assignment also includes the technical support of technology and product development activities for telecommunications applications.

Duties

Reporting to the AIDAN Next Project Implementation Manager, you will be responsible for providing communication system engineering expertise with a focus on optical communications, and for coordinating project review activities. Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

  • providing technical support for end-to-end system architecture definition, development, and verification activities;
  • supporting the development of critical technologies for the AIDAN Next project;
  • supporting technology and product roadmap meetings;
  • contributing to the assessment of business cases and market assumptions of industry-initiated product development activities;
  • participating in the evaluation and negotiation of procurement proposals;
  • coordinating technical project reviews;
  • identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution.

Reporting to the Head of the Ground Segment Section, you will be responsible for managing activities relating to telecommunications systems technology and products. Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

  • initiation, monitoring and controlling ground segment and end-to-end system product development activities and managing the implementation of activities relating to ground segment and end-to-end system products;
  • reviewing business cases and market assumptions of industry-initiated ground segment and end-to-end system development activities;
  • conducting industry roadmap meetings on ground segment and end-to-end system products;
  • contributing to the ESA-initiated activities targeting the ground segment and end-to-end system product activities;
  • identifying and defining ground segment and end-to-end system product needs and innovation;
  • contributing to market intelligence monitoring and strategic initiatives;
  • supporting the promotion of the Directorate’s programmes and the socioeconomic impact analysis;
  • coordinating expert technical support provided by other ESA organisational units as required to ensure effective initiation and management of activities.

Technical competencies

Experience in managing product development activities carried out by industry for satellite communication applications
Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes
Knowledge of satellite communications ground segment architecture, products, market and business case analysis
Knowledge of satellite communications end-end system architecture across different satellite communications markets and use cases

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 relevant scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications operator and European industry, as well as an in-depth understanding of operating within a European agency framework, would be a distinct advantage.

Understanding of satellite communication market dynamics, business plans and market trends, as well as disruptive innovation strategies.

Knowledge of project management practices and standards.


You should also demonstrate strong negotiation skills and have contract or subcontract management experience.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore 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 the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.