IRIS2 Space Segment System Engineer

Deadline to apply: 30/03/2026

We are looking for an IRIS2 Space Segment 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 Space Segment Engineer supports ESA in the design, development, and verification of spacecraft systems and subsystems within the space segment. This role contributes to the definition of segment architecture, the preparation and review of industrial deliverables, and participation in key milestone reviews. Working closely with ESA teams and industry, the engineer ensures technical consistency, compliance with requirements, and robust engineering practices throughout the full 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 the design, development, and verification of the space segment, including spacecraft systems, subsystems, and payloads;

• Contribute to space segment architecture definition, both functional and physical;

• Provide engineering support at segment and subsystem level during development activities;

• Participate in procurement-related activities, including preparing and evaluating technical specifications and industrial proposals;

• Review and follow-up architecture definition work performed by industry;

• Perform requirements engineering, including consolidation and traceability; 

• Conduct design trade‑off analyses to support technical decision‑making;

• Define and manage interfaces at system, segment, and subsystem levels;

• Identify technical risks and contribute to mitigation planning;

• Support ESA during major industrial reviews (RR, PDR, Space Segment PDR/CDR, QR, IOVR, SD);

• Assess industrial deliverables and prepare structured review comments;

• Participate in technical discussions, meetings, and review boards;

• Produce Technical Notes, Review Item Discrepancies (RIDs), trade‑off reports, and contributions to requirement change documentation (DCNs).

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, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline; 

• At least 4 years of experience in space segment engineering, covering spacecraft systems, subsystems, or payload development; 

• Strong background in system and subsystem architecture, requirements definition, and design consolidation; 

• Handson experience participating in major technical reviews (RR, PDR, CDR, QR, IOVR); 

• Proven ability to identify technical risks and support mitigation planning;  

• Skilled in evaluating industrial deliverables and preparing clear, structured review inputs; 

• Clear and concise technical communication skills, including preparing RIDs, technical notes, and trade-off reports; 

• Ability to participate effectively in review boards and support procurement related activities; 

• Solid understanding of architecture modelling, interface definition, and design trade-off processes; 

• The Space Segment engineer may need to support adjacent domains. Experience in additional domains, such as validation, interface definition, cross-segment coordination is an asset; 

• Familiarity with ECSS or similar space engineering standards; 

• Familiarity with the IRIS2 programme is an asset; 

• Strong analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving abilities; 

• Comfortable working within ESA, industry, and multistakeholder environments; 

• Organised, autonomous, 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.