Earth Observation Satellite System Engineer

Airbus Defence and Space; Getafe; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health insurance

Employee stock options

Biennial training and development

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space in Madrid (Getafe) seeks a Satellite System Engineer with a strong Earth Observation background. The role focuses on V&V, interface management, and technical leadership as Deputy Chief Engineer across the mission lifecycle.

You will oversee system-level verification, manage ICDs, and contribute to risk mitigation, technical reviews, and project progress in a multidisciplinary, international environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Coordinate complex system-level tests, including environmental testing and end-to-end functional tests.
• Manage the Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between the spacecraft, payload, and ground segments.
• 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 progress monitoring.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Systems engineering

Earth observation

Space mission lifecycle

ECSS standards

Requirements engineering

Interface management

AOCS/EPS/OBDH

English language

Education

Master’s degree in aerospace engineering

PhD in a related technical field

Tools

DOORS

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

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