IRIS2 Low-LEO System Engineer

Deadline to apply: 30/03/2026

We are looking for a Low-LEO System 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).  In this role, the candidate will support the development, integration, and validation of the Secure Connectivity Low LEO preoperational system. The role contributes to mission requirements, system architecture, technical reviews, and inorbit testing, ensuring alignment with the overall IRIS2 system across space, ground, and user segments.

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 CSC Technical Assistance Service 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, 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:

• Define mission requirements and develop the overall system architecture for the Low LEO pre‑operational system;

• Support engineering activities across the space, ground, user, communication, and security segments;

• Prepare technical and programmatic specifications for procurement and evaluate industrial proposals;

• Follow up on industrial activities after contract kick‑off, ensuring system coherence with IRIS2;

• Coordinate technical activities with the European Commission and industrial consortium;

• Perform requirements engineering, architecture definition, interface management, trade‑off analyses, and verification/validation planning;

• Conduct risk assessments and contribute to schedule analyses;

• Support ESA in major industrial reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR, IOVR, SD) by evaluating deliverables and preparing review comments;

• Participate in review meetings, collocations, and technical discussions with industry;

• Produce technical documentation, including Technical Notes, MBSE models, simulations, RIDs, trade‑off reports, and V&V documentation;

• Contribute to risk mitigation actions, development planning, and schedule inputs.

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, or related field;

• Minimum 4 years of experience in system engineering for space missions, ideally involving LEO systems, constellations, or complex systems.

• Experience with verification & validation planning, technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR, IOVR), and trade-off analyses;

• Experience preparing or evaluating procurement specifications and industrial deliverables;

• Strong background in mission and system architecture definition (space, ground, user segments);

• Excellent technical communication and documentation skills;

• Understanding of technical risk assessment and interface definition processes;

• Knowledge of communication engineering for LEO systems;

• Knowledge of ESA/ECSS standards is an asset;

• Familiarity with MBSE tools (Capella, Cameo) and system modelling/simulation tools; 

• Familiarity with the IRIS2 programme is an asset;

• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities;

• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (ESA, EC, industry);

• Autonomous, structured, and detail-oriented working style;

• 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.