Telecommunication Systems Product Engineer

Support the AIDAN Next project with telecommunication systems expertise.

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ESA - European Space Agency

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Application deadline 30 days ago: Friday 15 May 2026 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Support the AIDAN Next project with telecommunication systems expertise.

You have:

  • A master's degree in relevant scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.
  • Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications operator and European industry is required.
  • In-depth understanding of operating within a European agency framework is preferred.
  • Knowledge of satellite communications ground segment architecture, products, market and business case analysis is required.
  • Strong negotiation skills and contract or subcontract management experience are required.
  • Understanding of satellite communication market dynamics, business plans and market trends is required.
  • Knowledge of project management practices and standards is required.

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 [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

Describe a time when you led a telecommunications project successfully. The interviewer wants to assess your project leadership and outcomes. Provide details about the project, your role, and the successful results achieved.
How do you approach resolving technical challenges in product development? This question evaluates your problem-solving and technical skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of when you negotiated a contract successfully? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you use to analyze market trends in telecommunications? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure effective communication within a project team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with satellite communication systems. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How have you contributed to product development in past roles? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your understanding of ESA's operational framework? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 month ago - Updated 30 days ago - Source: jobs.esa.int