Ground Segment Product Engineer (2 posts)

Manage telecommunications ground segment technology and product development.

This opening expired 1 month ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

ESA - European Space Agency

Open positions at ESA
Logo of ESA

Application deadline 1 month ago: Friday 8 May 2026 at 23:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Manage telecommunications ground segment technology and product development.

You have:

  • A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required.
  • 4 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and 4 additional years of relevant professional experience can be considered.
  • Experience in managing product development activities carried out by industry for satellite communication applications.
  • Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes.
  • Understanding of satellite communication market dynamics, business plans and market trends, as well as disruptive innovation strategies.
  • Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications operator and European industry would be an advantage.
  • Strong negotiation skills and contract or subcontract management experience.

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.

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

Description

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

Duties

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

  • initiating, monitoring and controlling activities relating to ground and user segment product development for satellite communications;
  • managing the implementation of activities relating to ground and user segment products;
  • assessing the business cases and market assumptions of industry-initiated ground and user segment product development activities;
  • conducting industry roadmap meetings on ground and user segment products;
  • identifying and defining product needs and innovation opportunities in the ground and user segments of satellite communication systems;
  • supporting market intelligence studies and contributing to strategic initiatives relating to the ground and user segments of satellite communication systems;
  • supporting the promotion of the Directorate’s programmes and 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 communication ground segment architecture, products, market and business case analysis

Knowledge of digitalisation, virtualisation and ground segment networking in satellite communications

Knowledge of user terminal technologies and products across various 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 a relevant domain is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

Experience in ground segment technology and equipment, subsystem design and development.

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

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.

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 [email protected].

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.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience in managing product development activities for satellite communications? The interviewer wants to understand your direct experience in product management within satellite communications. Highlight specific projects and your role in their development.
How do you assess market opportunities in satellite communications? The interviewer seeks to gauge your analytical skills in understanding market dynamics. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a time you had to negotiate a contract. What was your approach? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you know about ESA's procurement processes? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you would identify innovation opportunities in satellite communication systems. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain how you coordinate technical support with various organizational units. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you fostered cooperation in a project? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What trends do you see shaping the future of satellite communication? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 months ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: jobs.esa.int