IRIS2 Satellite AIT System Engineer

Deadline to apply: 16/04/2026

We are looking for an IRIS² Satellite AIT 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).     

The Satellite AIT System Engineer supports ESA in overseeing the integration, assembly, and testing of the IRIS2 satellites, ensuring that all space‑segment AIT activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in full alignment with mission requirements. Working closely with industry and ESA teams at ESTEC, the engineer plays a key role in monitoring manufacturing progress, defining AIT plans, and contributing to major technical reviews across the satellite development lifecycle.

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:

• Support ESA with the integration, assembly, and testing (AIT) activities for IRIS2 satellites and the overall space segment;

• Follow up on space‑segment integration, manufacturing, and subsystem‑level engineering activities;

• Contribute to space‑segment procurement tasks, including evaluating technical proposals and supporting contract preparation;

• Review and support architecture definition at segment and subsystem level;

• Perform requirements engineering and consolidation for AIT‑related aspects;

• Contribute to functional and physical architecture definitions and design analyses;

• Conduct design trade‑off assessments and support technical decision‑making;

• Define and manage interfaces relevant to space‑segment AIT activities;

• Identify technical risks and support mitigation planning throughout the integration and testing phases;

• Support ESA during major technical reviews (RR, PDR, Space Segment PDR/CDR, QR, IOVR, SD), evaluating deliverables and preparing review comments;

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

• Produce Technical Notes, RIDs, trade‑off reports, security trade‑off analyses, and contributions to accreditation dossiers and risk assessments.

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 Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field;

• At least 4 years of experience in spacecraft integration, assembly, testing (AIT) or satellite subsystem engineering;

• Familiarity with space segment development, manufacturing follow up, and industrial activities;

• Background participating in major reviews (RR, PDR, CDR, QR, IOVR);

• Good understanding of Spacecraft and subsystem architecture; Integration workflows and AIT planning; Requirements engineering and consolidation; Design trade off analysis; Interface definition and follow-up; Technical risk assessment;

• Ability to evaluate industrial deliverables and prepare review comments;

• Knowledge of ECSS standards relevant to AIT and verification is an advantage;

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills;

• Precise technical communication and documentation abilities (RIDs, technical notes, trade off reports);

• 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.