IRIS2 Satcom Security & Accreditation Engineer

Deadline to apply: 30/03/2026

We are looking for an 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 Security Engineering support in relation to IRIS2 entrusted tasks related to security, in particular for 5G Stack protocols;

• Support at system and subsystem level;

• Follow and review security architecture definition for space/ground assets involved in the provision of services relying on 5G stack protocols;

• Follow interface definition taking into account security aspects;

• Follow accreditation activities of 5G protocol stack and propose trade-offs;

• Support and guidance to the consortium in ad-hoc security certification aspects (CC, CDE, TEMPEST);

• Follow 3GPP standards security aspects and ensure compliance of the solution proposed with regards to security requirements;

• Requirements engineering and consolidation;

• Functional and physical architecture definition;

• Design trade-off analysis;

• Interface definition;

• Technical risk assessment;

• Preparation of work items for 3GPP or other standardization bodies (ie NATO, STANAG);

• Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR);

• Critical Design Reviews (CDR);

• Qualification Reviews (QR);

• In-Orbit Validation Review (IOVR);

• Service Declaration (SD);

• Technical assessment of industrial deliverables;

• Preparation of review comments.

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.

• Masters degree in Telecommunications, Cybersecurity, Systems/Aerospace/Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field;

• Security certifications are an asset (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CEH) or CC (Common Criteria) familiarity;

• At least 4 years of work experience in security engineering for 5G/6G or advanced wireless systems; exposure to NTN/satellite communications preferred;

• Hands on involvement with security architecture for space/ground systems and interface security;

• Experience contributing to accreditation activities (e.g., CC, CDE, TEMPEST) and risk analyses;

• Experience participating in major reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, IOVR, SD) and assessment of industrial deliverables;

• Strong grasp of 5G/6G protocol stack security (gNB, 5GC interfaces, user plane/control plane security, key management, NAS/RRC security);

• Experience with security requirements engineering, architecture definition (functional/physical), and trade off analysis;

• Experience with interface security definition and follow up across spacecraft, payload, ground, user segment, and 5GC;

• Knowledge of 3GPP security standards and ability to prepare work items/technical papers for standardization (3GPP; familiarity with NATO/STANAG is a plus);

• Experience with risk assessment (threat modelling, attack surfaces, mitigations) and non conformance/deviation analysis;

• Familiarity with MBSE artefacts and producing security relevant documentation (V&V plans, security notes, accreditation dossiers);

• Analytical, detail oriented, and able to make clear, defensible security trade offs;

• Strong technical writing and review skills (RIDs, review comments, accreditation inputs);

• Effective stakeholder coordination with ESA, EC, and industrial consortia;

• Proactive, structured, and comfortable operating in multi partner, international programmes;

• Knowledge of ESA/ECSS processes and security governance/accreditation lifecycles is an asset;

• Willingness to participate in collocations, reviews, and test campaigns as needed;

• 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.