EuroQCI Systems Engineer

Deadline to apply: 30/03/2026

We are looking for a EuroQCI Systems Engineer to complete our consultants’ Workforce Management Service to support ESA’s Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications (CSC) at ESA’s premises, mainly ESTEC (Noordwijk, NL).   

CSC supports innovation in satellite telecommunications and the development of advanced applications using space-based systems. Through research, development, and industrial partnerships, CSC contributes to strengthening the European and Canadian satellite communications sectors. 

CSC also supports major public–private initiatives focused on the development of new satellite systems, validation of innovative services, and deployment of secure telecommunications capabilities. A growing portion of CSC activities involves third-party funded programmes, particularly within the Union Secure Connectivity Programme (IRIS²). 

The CTAS will provide support to CSC with a multidisciplinary, onsite team of specialists who deliver technical, management, engineering, and security expertise across the IRIS² and EuroQCI programmes. The service supports CSC by reinforcing programme management, procurement, system design, verification, validation, security, and governance activities, enabling ESA to execute its entrusted responsibilities from the European Commission. 

Through its work packages, CTAS personnel integrate directly into CSC project teams, ensuring day‑to‑day operational continuity, rigorous technical assessment, configuration and project control discipline, and support throughout all major ESA reviews and milestones. By deploying experts across spacecraft systems, ground segment development, telecommunications, quantum communications, security accreditation, and project governance, the service ensures CSC can efficiently manage complex, multi‑partner programmes and maintain compliance with ESA, EC, and security requirements, ultimately strengthening Europe’s secure connectivity and communications capabilities. 

Please note, the successful candidate will be employed by ATG Europe (or one of its subsidiaries). Furthermore, upon selection, they will be subject to a general security screening performed by an external provider (further information will be provided at the interview stage). Candidates must have or be eligible to obtain Personal Security Clearance (PSC) up to ESA SECRET / EU SECRET. 

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to:

• Provide system engineering support in relation to ESA in-house activities for EuroQCI Entrusted Tasks;

• System Engineering Activities in:

  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD);

  • Ground Segment Engineering;

  • Satellite and Constellation Engineering;

  • User Segment Engineering;

  • Communication Engineering.

• Requirements engineering and consolidation;

• Functional and physical architecture definition;

• Design trade-off analysis;

• Interface definition;

• Verification and validation planning;

• Technical risk assessment;

• System Requirements Reviews (SRR);

• Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR);

• Critical Design Reviews (CDR);

• Qualification Reviews (QR);

• Technical assessment of industrial deliverables;

• Preparation of review comments;

• Participation in review meetings;

• Technical discussions with industry to support resolution of review items;

• Review Item Discrepancies;

• Trade-off Reports;

• Verification and validation support documentation.

ATG is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, handicap, or any other reason protected by relevant state or municipal legislation, we are pleased to consider all eligible candidates for employment. 

Please ensure that your CV clearly explains how you meet the mandatory requirements. If it doesn’t align completely with the essential criteria, it could result in rejection.

• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, Computer Engineering or a related field;

• At least 4 years of experience in systems engineering, including requirements engineering, architecture definition, design assessment and interface definition;

• Understanding of complex technical domains such as QKD, ground segment systems, satellite/constellation systems, or communication engineering;

• Experience preparing and reviewing technical documentation (technical notes, trade-off reports, RID lists, V&V documents);

• Familiarity with ESA style design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR) and the ability to technically assess industrial deliverables;

• Ability to participate in and contribute to technical milestone reviews, including providing structured review comments and supporting issue resolution with industry;

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to perform impact assessments and technical trade-offs;

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with ESA engineers, industry contractors, and cross functional stakeholders;

• Experience with quantum communications, QKD technologies, or secure communication systems.

• Knowledge of ESA standards (ECSS) and space system engineering methodologies is an asset;

• Experience in verification & validation planning and technical risk assessment is an asset;

• Prior experience in ESA, EU programmes, or institutional technical environments is an asset;

• Willingness to travel occasionally to industrial sites;

• Candidates must eligible to live and work in the EU;

• Candidates must have or be eligible to obtain Personal Security Clearance (PSC) up to ESA SECRET / EU SECRET;

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Please submit your application in English via the apply button below. Applications submitted in other languages will not be considered.

Early applications are encouraged as they allow for a smooth and efficient recruitment process. Please do not wait until the deadline to submit your application.