Earth Observation Satellite System Engineer

Airbus; Getafe; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days + extra days off

Hybrid working model

Health insurance

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space SAU in Madrid (Getafe) seeks an experienced Earth Observation Satellite System Engineer to join the EOS Chief Engineering Department. You will work on state-of-the-art EO spacecraft, drive V&V activities, manage interfaces, and support the Chief Engineer in technical leadership across subsystems.

The role emphasizes bridging deep technical engineering with strategic system-level management, including MBSE methods, design digitalisation, and development of novel features

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in Systems Engineering within the Space industry, specifically on satellite platforms or high-complexity space missions.
• Strong background in Earth Observation or Science mission architectures is a significant plus.
• Technical Skills: Deep understanding of the Space Mission Lifecycle and ECSS standards.
• Knowledge of SAR and Optical payloads is a plus.
• Expertise in Requirements Engineering (e.g., using DOORS or similar tools).
• Proficiency in Interface Management and System Modeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead System Engineering and V&V activities, and develop the V&V Plan per ECSS standards.
• Perform mission analysis, generate CONOPS and derive V&V strategies from them.
• Define verification methods to ensure all system requirements are met.
• Oversee the creation and management of the Verification Control Document (VCD).
• Coordinate complex system-level tests, including environmental testing and end-to-end tests.
• Manage satellite interfaces and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across subsystems.
• Ensure seamless integration of hardware and software components and resolve cross-subsystem conflicts.
• Support Deputy Chief Engineer duties and contribute to technical decision-making and risk management.
• Participate in Technical Reviews and produce high-level technical documentation for customers.
• Assist in resource estimation, cost control, scheduling and progress monitoring.

Skills

Systems Engineering

V&V Proficiency

ECSS Standards

Requirements Engineering

Interface Management

MBSE

System Modeling

Deputy Chief Engineer Leadership

Earth Observation

Technical Communication

Education

Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

DOORS

MBSE Tools

Job description

Job Description

A vacancy for an Earth Observation Satellite System Engineer has arisen within Airbus Defence & Space in Madrid (Getafe). The successful applicant will join the EOS Chief Engineering Department in Spain (TSESS). We are seeking a highly skilled Satellite Systems Engineer with a background in Earth Observation and/or Science satellite systems development. In this role, you will join the Systems Engineering team in the development of state-of-the-art, high-end Earth Observation satellite systems, in institutional and defence markets. You will play a critical role in the lifecycle of next-generation satellite missions. You will be responsible for ensuring that complex space systems are built to specification through rigorous Verification & Validation (V&V) and robust Interface Management. Beyond your technical core, you will act as a Deputy to the Chief Engineer, providing high-level technical support and assisting in the technical management of the system. This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between deep technical engineering and strategic system-level management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• System Engineering and V&V: Lead the development and execution of the Verification & Validation (V&V) Plan in accordance with ECSS standards.
• Execute mission analysis, generate the CONOPS and, from those, derive V&V strategies for the product.
• Define verification methods (Analysis, Inspection, Demonstration, Test) to ensure all system requirements are met throughout the mission lifecycle.
• Oversee the creation and management of the Verification Control Document (VCD).
• Coordinate complex system-level tests, including environmental testing and end-to-end functional tests.
• Interface Engineering: Manage the satellite interfaces along the product development lifecycle.
• Manage the Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between the spacecraft, payload, and ground segments.
• Ensure seamless integration of hardware and software components by managing technical interfaces and resolving cross-subsystem conflicts.
• Perform interface impact analysis during design changes to ensure system integrity.
• Technical Management & Deputy Chief Engineer Duties: Support the Chief Engineer in the technical oversight of the entire mission, ensuring technical consistency across all subsystems, and OTOQOC delivery of the satellite.
• Assist in technical decision-making processes and the management of technical risks and contingencies.
• Participate in Technical Reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, AR) and prepare high-level technical documentation for customers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the technical management of the project, including resource estimation, cost control, schedule alignment, and technical progress monitoring.
• In addition to this, you will play a key role in: The deployment of novel engineering methods, processes and tools (e.g. MBSE, multi-disciplinary analyses, concurrent design engineering…) The digitalisation of our design, development and manufacturing processes (e.g. DDMS), and their smooth implementation across all involved disciplines The development of novel features into existing product lines and/or upgrading of existing product lines to cope with those novel features, as dictated by the business.

SKILLS

• Education & Experience: Master’s Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in Systems Engineering within the Space industry, specifically on satellite platforms or high-complexity space missions.
• Strong background in Earth Observation or Science mission architectures is a significant plus.
• Technical Skills: Deep understanding of the Space Mission Lifecycle and ECSS standards.
• Knowledge of SAR and Optical payloads is a plus.
• Expertise in Requirements Engineering (e.g., using DOORS or similar tools).
• Proficiency in Interface Management and System Modeling.
• Strong knowledge of satellite subsystems (AOCS, EPS, OBDH, Telecommunications, Thermal).
• Ability to interpret complex test data and technical reports.
• Soft Skills & Leadership: Leadership Potential: Ability to step into a deputy management role, demonstrating maturity and technical authority.
• Communication: Excellent ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both multidisciplinary engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying technical risks and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Language: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Spanish, French and German is a plus.

WHICH BENEFITS WILL YOU HAVE AS AIRBUS EMPLOYEE?

• Vacation days plus additional days-off along the year.
• Attractive salary.
• Hybrid model of working when possible, promoting the work-life balance.
• Collective transport service in some sites.
• Benefits such as health insurance, employee stock options, retirement plan, or study grants.
• On-site facilities (among others): free canteen, kindergarten, medical office.
• Possibility to collaborate in different social and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Excellent upskilling opportunities and great development prospects in a multicultural environment.
• Special rates in products & benefits.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company: Airbus Defence and Space SAU Employment Type: Permanent ------- Experience Level: Professional Job Family: Chief Engineering & Architecture

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability,sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all.

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

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