IRIS2 Ground Segment IT Infrastructure Engineer

Deadline to apply: 16/04/2026

We are looking for an IRIS² Ground Segment IT Infrastructure 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 engineering support related to the ground IT infrastructure solutions, with deep knowledge of scalable and containerised applications across multiple environments.

• Support deployments, reviews, and milestone achievement of the IT infrastructure, in line with operational and project requirements.

• Support LAN/WAN architectures, including routing and switching protocols (such as OSPF and BGP), VLAN design, VPN technologies, and troubleshoot and optimise end‑to‑end network performance.

• Support datacentre environments, hypervisors (e.g., VMware, Hyper‑V, or KVM), server and storage platforms, clustering and the operation of platform‑as‑a‑service environments in multi‑tenant setups.

• Deploy and manage infrastructure using automation and IaC tools like Terraform, Ansible or PowerShell, combined with cloud platforms and container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.

• Support network and platform security, identity and access management, monitoring and observability, incident response, documentation and adherence to structured operational practices such as ITIL.

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.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or similar. Relevant professional IT certifications are desirable;

• At least 4 years relevant professional working experience, ideally in an international working environment;

• Deep knowledge of scalable and containerised applications across multiple environments;

• Knowledge of data centre architectures, networking, and system deployment strategies;

• Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and automation solutions e.g. orchestration frameworks (Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell, etc.);

• Knowledge and certifications in ITIL are an asset;

• Prior knowledge of large space project ground segments is an asset;

• Service oriented and able to liaise with other domains and IT teams, security officers etc;

• Ability to coordinate with ESA teams, suppliers, and industry;

• Structured, detail oriented, and autonomous working style;

• On site presence at ESTEC as required for AIT follow up and collocations;

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

• Candidates must be eligible for Personal Security Clearance (PSC) to ESA SECRET/EU SECRET level; 

• 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.