SatCom Payload Engineer

Your Mission

Join us in shaping the future of secure and innovative technologies across space and cybersecurity.

We are looking for a SatCom Payload Engineer, based at ESA in either Harwell, UK, or Noordwijk, the Netherlands, where you’ll contribute to cutting-edge telecommunications satellite programmes shaping the future of connectivity and space communications.

Tasks and Activities

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Support the development of innovative telecommunications satellite technologies and products, contributing to the advancement of future satcom capabilities.
• Help initiate and deliver technology and product development activities for a wide range of satellite communication applications.
• Contribute to the definition, maintenance, and control of ESA requirements, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Support the evaluation, negotiation, monitoring, and management of development contracts and associated activities, ensuring successful delivery.
• Assist with the preparation of status reports, work plans, and key documentation for internal reviews, adjudication committees, and delegate bodies.
• Collaborate closely with experts across ESA, sharing technical expertise and supporting a diverse portfolio of telecommunications projects.
• Monitor market developments, emerging technologies, and industry trends to help shape future activities and strategic decisions.
• Support ARTES programme initiatives, including market intelligence activities, socioeconomic impact analysis, and the identification and escalation of issues throughout the procurement and project lifecycle.

What We’re Looking For

Ideally, you will have:

• A Master’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• At least 4 years of experience in the development and/or manufacturing of aerospace or telecommunications satellite equipment and subsystems.
• Strong knowledge of low-level solution definition and implementation within complex technical environments.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Satellite payload hardware and onboard processing system architectures.
  • End-to-end satellite communications systems engineering

• Knowledge or hands-on involvement in spacecraft platform subsystems such as propulsion, electrical power systems, AOCS, TT&C, or onboard data processing units would be considered a strong asset.
• Eligibility to obtain ESA/EU Security Clearance and comply with Export Control requirements.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to work both independently and within multicultural, international teams.
• Strong communication skills, a customer-focused mindset, and a practical, solution-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Why Make the Move?

• Make an impact where it matters. Contribute to high profile projects supporting organisations such as ESA, EUMETSAT, the European Commission, NATO and national defence programmes.
• Work alongside some of Europe’s brightest minds. Join an international team of experts who thrive on collaboration, innovation and solving complex challenges that deliver real-world results.
• Grow beyond a single project. Join a growing international organisation and broaden your experience across a variety of projects and technical disciplines.
• Invest in your future. Benefit from ongoing training, mentoring and professional development opportunities designed to support both your personal and professional growth.
• Join a company that puts people first. Guided by our values of Integrity, Inspiration, Care and Collaboration, we offer a supportive culture, flexible working arrangements.

Equal Opportunities

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.