IRIS2 End-to-End System Architect

Deadline to apply: 30/03/2026

We are looking for an IRIS2 ​End-to-End System Architect​ 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).   

The IRIS2 End-to-End System Architect provides system engineering leadership for ESA’s IRIS2 programme, ensuring coherent system architecture across space, payload, ground, and external interfaces. The role shapes optical and RF communication solutions, supports major engineering reviews, and contributes to system-level modelling and performance assessments within a multidisciplinary environment. 

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 daytoday 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, multipartner 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: 

System Architecture and Engineering Support:

• Provide system engineering support for ESA’s IRIS2 entrusted tasks across spacecraft, payload, ground, and external systems; 

• Define and manage system interfaces and ensure alignment across all system elements; 

• Support the system architecture, development, and validation of IRIS² optical and RF communication systems. 

• Perform system‑level modelling, simulations, and performance assessments; 

• Support the definition of broadband services, data relay solutions, and new developments involving optical and RF communications; 

• Contribute to in interoperability and standardization activities (including protocols,data formats, and/or  interfaces); 

• Support space‑to‑ground communication links definition and development; 

Requirements & Design Activities:

• Support requirements engineering, consolidation, and verification; 

• Contribute to functional and physical architecture definitions; 

• Execute design trade‑off analyses and interface definition studies; 

• Perform technical risk assessments and mitigation proposals; 

System Engineering Support:

• Support ESA in reviewing and assessing industrial technical milestones (PDR, CDR, QR, IOVR and SD); 

• Evaluate industrial deliverables and provide structured technical feedback; 

• Prepare review comments, discrepancies, and recommendations; 

Deliverables:

• Produce technical notes, trade-off reports, and RIDs; 

• Deliver system models, simulation results, and MBSE engineering models; 

• Provide technical inputs and documentation to support milestone reviews and system development activities.  

 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 Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or similar technical field; 

• At least 8 years of experience in Systems Engineering, with strong background in system engineering applied to complex satellite communications systems;   

• Experience in optical and RF communication systems, system architecture, modelling, or performance assessment;  

• Experience supporting major engineering reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, IOVR); 

• Experience in ESA/ECSS engineering environments is a strong asset; 

• Ability to assess industrial deliverables and produce technical notes, RIDs, trade-off reports, and engineering models; 

• Ability to clearly document technical findings and provide structured feedback during reviews; 

• Competence in modelling/simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK) and MBSE tools (Cameo, Capella); 

• Strong understanding of systems engineering fundamentals: Requirements engineering, Architecture definition, Interface management, Trade‑off analysis, Technical risk assessment; 

• Knowledge of spacecraft–payload–ground system interactions; 

• Familiarity with communication protocols, data formats, and interoperability standards; 

• Familiarity with the IRIS² programme is an asset; 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary environment; 

• High level of autonomy, organisation, and attention to detail; 

• Candidates must be 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.