Space Segment Product Engineer - European Space Agency (Noordwijk)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Initiate, monitor and control space segment technology and product development activities for satellite communication applications in collaboration with Procurement Department and Strategic Programme Line managers
• Manage implementation of activities relating to space segment products
• Review business cases and market assumptions of ESA- and industry-initiated space segment development activities
• Conduct industry roadmap meetings on space segment products
• Contribute to ESA-initiated activities targeting space segment activities, including workplan preparation
• Identify and define space segment product needs and innovation for future satellite communication services
• Contribute to market intelligence monitoring and strategic initiatives
• Support promotion of directorate's programmes and socioeconomic impact analysis

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's degree in a relevant engineering or scientific domain, or bachelor's degree complemented by an additional four years of relevant professional experience
• Experience: 4 years of relevant professional experience in managing space segment technology and product development activities carried out by industry for commercial satellite communication applications
• Key skills: Managing space segment technology and product development activities, Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes, Knowledge of satcom space segment system architectures, products, market and business case analysis, Knowledge of payload and platform architectures, technologies and sub-systems, Space segment technology and equipment, subsystem design and development, Satellite communications market dynamics, business plan and market trends, Negotiation skills, Contract or subcontract management experience

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 4 years, extendable to indefinite.

Working arrangements: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Hiring unit: Space Segment Section, Technology and Products Division, Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department,….

Position details

Reference

1387254733

Last Verified

18 October 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Space Segment Product Engineer at ESA based in Noordwijk (Other). The vacancy reference is 1387254733.

Job Requisition ID:20527

Date Posted:24 April 2026

Closing Date:22 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:Internal & External

Type of Appointment (learn more):4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate:Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity

Workplace: Harwell, GB Noordwijk, NL

Location ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Space Segment Product Engineer in the Space Segment Section, Technology and Products Division, Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of the Space Segment Section, you will be responsible for the management of space segment (platform and payload) technology and product development activities for satellite communication applications. Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

- initiating, monitoring and controlling, in collaboration with the Procurement Department, the Strategic Programme Line managers and other relevant departments of ESA, ARTES Industrial Competitiveness (IC) and other ARTES Programme Line activities relating to space segment product development for satellite communications; - managing the implementation of activities relating to space segment products; - reviewing business cases and market assumptions of both ESA- and industry-initiated space segment development activities; - conducting industry roadmap meetings on space segment products; - contributing to the ESA-initiated activities targeting space segment activities, including workplan preparation; - identifying and defining space segment product needs and innovation for future satellite communication services; - contributing to market intelligence monitoring and strategic initiatives; - supporting the promotion of the directorate’s programmes, as well as the socioeconomic impact analysis; - coordinating expert technical support provided by other ESA organisational units, such as the Directorate of Operations and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, as required, to ensure effective initiation and management of activities; - reporting regularly on the progress, status, schedule and outcome of activities, including realistic forecasting of milestone completion dates.

Technical competencies

Experience in managing space segment technology and product development activities carried out by industry for commercial satellite communication applications

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Knowledge of satcom space segment system architectures, products, market and business case analysis

Knowledge of payload and platform architectures, technologies and sub-systems, preferably in the context of space telecommunication applications

Behavioural competencies

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering or scientific domain is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

Experience in space segment technology and equipment, subsystem design and development.

Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications operator and European industry, as well as an in-depth understanding of operating within a European agency framework, would be distinct advantages.

Understanding of satellite communications market dynamics, business plan and market trends as well as disruptive innovation strategies.

You should also demonstrate strong negotiation skills and have contract or subcontract management experience.

Specific knowledge and development experience in the following sub-systems will be an asset: satellite platform sub-systems (e.g. propulsion, power and electrical architecture).

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 18 October 2026, today.

The application deadline is 22 October 2026, 2 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 18 October 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Noordwijk see our Noordwijk location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.