For more than half a century, Serco has walked alongside the pioneers of space. Serco has supported over 50 ESA missions where our teams have helped launch satellites, guide spacecraft across the void and turn data into discoveries that reshape our world. With thousands of specialists contributing across the entire space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to operations and surveillance, we’ve become a trusted force in national And European space strategies. And now, the next chapter could include you.

We are looking for a Spacecraft AIV System Engineer to join our team in supporting the European Space Agency’s Earth Observation missions.

As a Spacecraft AIV System Engineer, you will provide sustained system engineering support to the development of a constellation of small Earth Observation satellites during the implementation phase of the project.

The position is based on-site at ESTEC’s premises in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Responsibilities:

• Supporting with the monitoring of ESCA by ensuring timely compilation and delivery of agreed milestones and AIV deliverables.
• Ensuring tracking of the subcontractor progress through regular participation in weekly/bi-weekly status meetings and provide consistent reporting updates.
• Monitoring subcontractor performance against technical requirements and AIV specifications by reviewing test data, verification results and inspection reports, ensuring compliance is demonstrated and properly documented and ensuring alignment with approved procedures, test sequences and planned timelines.
• Maintaining and updating the ESCA AIV plan, flow, and schedule for all subcontractor activities to ensure alignment with overall programme timelines.
• Acting as the operational point of contact for formal reviews and boards (e.g. TRR, NRB), ensuring readiness, proper documentation and follow-up of actions.
• Coordinating support from other engineering disciplines (with ESA project engineers and industrial partners) for development and manufacturing activities.
• Reviewing test plans and supporting test activities.
  
  

Profile:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related discipline.
• A Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in the industrial procurement and development of small to medium-class satellite systems.
• Demonstrated system engineering experience in Phases C/D, including system verification and validation activities.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within an international and multicultural environment.
• A solution-oriented mindset, supported by effective and customer-focused communication skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Background in thermal and mechanical engineering, including the management of spacecraft constraints driven by payload performance is desirable.
• Experience in payload engineering, with a focus on optical and RF systems is desirable.

What we Offer: More than just a job
At Serco, we believe that a career should come with more than just a paycheck, it should provide support, security, and a sense of balance in your life. Your salary will be paid promptly on Fridays before the 28th of each month, giving you peace of mind about your finances.

We support your daily life and commute in practical ways. If you travel to work, you can claim a travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometre for up to 150 km, or you can have your public transport fully reimbursed. For those working from home, there’s a small daily allowance of €2 to cover extra costs, and new employees can be reimbursed up to €500 for a desk or chair to make their home workspace comfortable.

When your work takes you on missions or travel, all business-related expenses are fully covered, and for peace of mind during tax season, our appointed advisor will assist you in completing your income tax forms. If you enjoy cycling, our bicycle scheme allows you to benefit from a tax-efficient allowance of up to €749, one year of full insurance with an additional €89 per year for accessories.

Serco also cares about your long-term security. All employees are covered under a collective life insurance scheme, and our health insurance partnership with Zilverenkruis Achmea offers discounts of 5% on basic coverage and up to 10% on additional plans. Our company pension scheme, managed via Nationale Nederlanden, follows the Dutch State Pension framework, ensuring you can plan confidently for the future.

In addition, in emergency situations, you may request an advance salary payment of up to one month’s net salary at the discretion of your line manager. To support your wellbeing and daily work, we offer up to €250 reimbursement for work glasses to reduce blue light strain and provide access to Benefits & Work, offering multiple discounts for online shopping. For lifelong learning, all employees receive a 35% discount on programs at Webster University.

At Serco, our benefits are designed to make your life easier, healthier, and more flexible, so you can focus on contributing to groundbreaking space missions while feeling supported every step of the way.

Relocation:
The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.
Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.