Space Debris & Orbital Compliance Engineer

Deadline to apply: 18/02/2026

To ensure a smooth application process and timely completion of all required documentation, we recommend applying as early as possible.

We are looking for a ​Space Debris & Orbital Compliance Engineer​ to complete our consultants Workforce Management Service to support the ​Operational Launch System Safety Office​ of the European Space Agency (ESA) at their location in ​Frascati, Italy​.  

The purpose of ​the Safety Operational Office for Flight Programmes is to support Launcher and launch Systems development and interfacing with other Space Transportation (STS) Departments and ESA Directorates on demand​.   

As a Space Debris & Orbital Compliance Engineer, you will support ESA’s orbital systems (Space Rider, VegaE upper stages, payload dispensers) to ensure full compliance with ESA Space Debris Mitigation Policy and international standards concerning orbital safety, breakup prevention, disposal strategies, and collision risk mitigation. 

The selected candidate may additionally be appointed to the role of Service Manager, subject to relevant experience and operational needs. 

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). 

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 (categorie protette L.68/99 art.1), or any other reason protected by relevant state or municipal legislation, we are pleased to consider all eligible candidates for employment. 

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to: 

Tasks and Responsibilities 

Debris Mitigation Requirements & Reviews 

• Identify and define applicable debris mitigation requirements for each ESA project, referencing ESA policy (ESSBSTU007) and best practices. 

• Lead the preparation, updates, and validation of Space Debris Mitigation Plans, ensuring all stakeholders implement consistent compliance approaches. 

Mitigation Reporting & Verification 

• Prepare Space Debris Mitigation Reports (SDMR) summarising compliance status, verification methods, technical justifications, and supporting analyses. 

• Coordinate with system engineering, GNC, and mission analysis teams to validate disposal, reentry, and passivation strategies. 

• Contribute to verification & control documentation (VCD), including requirementbyrequirement compliance matrices. 

Technical Assessment & Risk Analysis 

• Evaluate industrial inputs on breakup risk, collision risk, shielding requirements, mission endoflife behaviour, and reentry survivability. 

• Identify areas requiring further analyses or design adaptations to reach compliance. 

• Provide recommendations to project teams and ESA management on risk mitigation or design improvements. 

Stakeholder Coordination & Representation 

• Present debris compliance materials during design reviews (PDR, CDR, QR). 

• Support interface with regulators, ESA internal safety offices, and international partners as required. 

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 Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Safety Engineering, or equivalent; 

• Minimum 4 years of relevant working experience in the domain of the position; 

• Background in orbital mechanics, mission analysis, or space environment studies; 

• Familiarity with debris mitigation standards and orbital safety methodologies; 

• Excellent analytical and documentation skills; 

• Experience in service coordination or the potential to assume Service Manager duties will be considered an asset; 

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the EU;  

• Due to the nature of the role and the required security protocols, only applicants who are nationals of EU or ESA Member States can be considered. 

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.  

• Fluency in French, both written and spoken, is an asset. 

Please submit your application in English via the apply button below. Applications submitted in other languages will not be considered.