IRIS2 Ground Segment IVVQ Engineer

Deadline to apply: 30/03/2026

We are looking for a IRIS² Satcom Security & Accreditation 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 ground system engineering support to the process definition, integration, verification, validation and qualification strategy of the ground segment;

• Support integration activities and test campaigns;

• Ensure acceptance milestones are planned, executed, and documented in compliance with project requirements;

• Plan, orchestrate and support the integration of complex multi component systems (hardware, software, and operational elements);

• Define integration strategies, identifying interfaces, managing dependencies, and resolving integration risks early;

• Define Verification & Validation plans, acceptance criteria, traceability to requirements and test strategies across system, subsystem, and component levels;

• Manage test execution, assess compliance, and structure evidence for regulatory or customer acceptance;

• Interpret standards/regulations, design qualification approaches and deliver documentation demonstrating system conformity. Engage with auditors, certification bodies, and external stakeholders;

• Support stakeholder management to coordinate engineering, operations, suppliers, and customers;

• Drive anomaly investigations, lead reviews and ensure issues are resolved in a structured, traceable manner.

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 Engineering (Aerospace, Telecommunications, Electrical, Computer Science, Systems Engineering) or equivalent;

• At least 4 years of experience in IVVQ activities (integration, verification, validation, qualification) for ground systems or complex technical systems;

• Experience working in ground segment development, satellite communications, secure communication systems, or similar high complexity environments;

• Demonstrated experience with multi component system integration involving hardware, software, networks, and operational systems;

• Experience planning and running integration campaigns, test procedures, and acceptance milestones;

• Experience reviewing, assessing, and validating industry deliverables (documentation, plans, design files, test reports, requirements);

• Solid understanding of systems engineering principles, requirements management, and traceability;

• Expertise in defining verification & validation plans, test strategies, acceptance criteria, and compliance matrices;

• Knowledge of integration strategies, interface management, dependency mapping, and risk mitigation;

• Experience in anomaly investigation, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving;

• Working knowledge of standards and regulations relevant to IVVQ or ground systems (e.g., ECSS, ISO, security/compliance standards);

• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, Polarion);

• Familiarity with test management or configuration control tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, SharePoint);

• Experience with satellite ground segment architecture (mission control systems, TT&C systems, secure communication networks, ground stations) is an asset;

• Knowledge of secure communications, quantum communications, or regulated environments is an asset;

• Previous experience in ESA, EUSPA, or defence-related programmes is an asset;

• Familiarity with lifecycle reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, TRB, QR, AR) is an asset;

• Ability to structure and produce high quality technical documentation: test reports, qualification evidence, technical notes;

• Strong planning, coordination, and orchestration skills for multi-stakeholder environments;

• Excellent communication skills to interface with engineering, operations, suppliers, and customers;

• Ability to lead technical discussions, manage reviews, and ensure issues are tracked and resolved;

• High level of autonomy, reliability, and structured working style;

• Willingness to travel across Europe (approx. 20 business trips per year), mainly to industry sites and partner organisations;

• 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.