IRIS2 System Verification & Validation (V&V) Engineer

Deadline to apply: 30/03/2026

We are looking for an IRIS2 System Verification & Validation (V&V) 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 IRIS2 System V&V Engineer supports ESA in qualifying, verifying, and validating the IRIS2 system. The role oversees end‑to‑end validation activities, ensures system qualification status, manages test campaigns and performance assessments, and supports reviews, non‑conformance resolution, and development of validation tools.

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: 

System Validation Engineering

• Provide system engineering support to ESA for IRIS2 end‑to‑end system validation activities;

• Contribute to the incremental qualification of the IRIS2 system across all segments;

• Manage qualification credits derived from segment‑level verification for inclusion in the VCD (Verification Control Document);

• Prepare qualification work programmes to support Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and Full Operational Capability (FOC);

• Define and monitor test campaigns for external system interfaces, particularly GOVSATCOM and SECMON;

• Track deviations and non‑conformances to ensure successful system qualification and maintain qualification status over time;

Testing and Verification Activities

• Support the definition, development, and maintenance of system‑level verification tools and testbeds;

• Review test plans, test cases, and test procedures prepared by the industrial consortium;

• Prepare plans for in‑orbit validation phases;

• Conduct independent simulations and performance assessments for ESA;

• Support in independent witnessing of test campaigns performed by industry or subcontractors;

• Execute independent test campaigns, including in‑orbit tests, using ESA testbeds and flight experiments;

• Review non‑conformances and deviations and support the development of corrective actions;

• Contribute to technical risk assessments related to validation and qualification;

Support to Industrial Technical Reviews

• Support ESA in PDR, CDR, QR, IOVR, SD, and other industrial milestone reviews;

• Assess industrial deliverables from a validation/qualification perspective;

• Prepare review comments and technical feedback packages;

Deliverables

• Contributions to the System Verification Plan and RVM (Requirements Verification Matrix);

• Reviews and updates of system‑level test plans, test cases, and procedures;

• Follow‑up reports on segment verification campaigns;

• Updates to qualification credits and proposed changes to the System VCD;

• Reviews of system/segment non‑conformances and recommended action plans for NRBs;

• Reviews of RFDs/RFWs with proposed resolution paths;

• Independent simulation and performance results to support ESA’s assessment.

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, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or similar;

• At least 5 years of experience in system validation, verification, qualification, or end‑to‑end testing in aerospace or complex systems;

• Experience with testbeds, simulations, and performance assessment;

• Ability to review and execute test plans, test cases, and procedures;

• Proven technical communication and documentation skills (RIDs, trade‑off analyses, validation plans, technical notes, proposed VCD updates, among others);

• Exposure to technical reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, IOVR);

• Knowledge of system V&V processes (tests, RIDs, VCD, RVM);

• Knowledge of ESA/ECSS standards is an asset;

• Understanding of non‑conformance management (RFD/RFW, deviations);

• Familiarity with optical/RF communications or space‑to‑ground systems;

• Familiarity with the IRIS2 programme is an asset;

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills;

• Ability to work independently and in multi‑stakeholder environments.

• 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.