Senior 5G/6G NTN SatCom Systems Engineer – AI-Driven Networks

Starion Group; Harwell; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The European Space Agency (ESA) at ECSAT in Harwell, UK, seeks a Senior 5G/6G NTN System Engineer (SatCom) to advance satellite‑terrestrial networks in a multinational team. You will contribute to 5G/6G architectures, NTN integration, AI‑enabled networking, and industry collaboration on innovative ESA programmes.

Applicants should hold a related engineering degree and have at least five years in 5G/6G/NTN with knowledge of 3GPP standards and secure‑clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• University degree (or equivalent) in Telecommunications, Electronics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience in 5G/6G, NTN, satellite communications, wireless networking, or related digital connectivity technologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of 3GPP standards, mobile network architectures, NTN integration, and emerging communication technologies.
• Familiarity with AI-driven networking, network automation, intelligent orchestration, digital twins, or data-driven communication systems.
• Experience with industry, research organisations, or institutional stakeholders in telecommunications and space communications ecosystems.
• Desire to work autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Eligibility to obtain an EU security clearance is required.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Support ESA ARTES 5G/6G activities and programmes.
• Contribute to future proposals and strategic initiatives in 5G, 6G, NTN, Direct-to-Device (D2D), and network integration.
• Identify, shape, and promote opportunities for industrial participation and innovation within ESA’s CIP Directorate.
• Support evolution of advanced NTN architectures and technologies, including 3GPP-compliant solutions, network virtualization, cloud-native infrastructures, and edge computing.
• Contribute to activities related to AI-enabled communications, autonomous network management, intelligent orchestration, and future digital connectivity ecosystems.
• Engage with industry, academia, standardization bodies, and institutional stakeholders to foster innovation and strengthen ESA’s role in shaping future communication systems.
• Support ESA’s contributions to relevant international standardization, pre-standardization, and ecosystem-building activities related to 5G, 6G, NTN, and AI-enabled networks.
• Monitor technology, market, and regulatory developments affecting future communication infrastructures and identifying opportunities for ESA programme growth and strategic positioning.
• Contributing to the establishment and operation of innovation initiatives, testbeds, hubs, and demonstration platforms supporting advanced connectivity technologies.

Skills

5G/6G expertise

NTN knowledge

Satellite communications

3GPP standards

AI-driven networking

International collaboration

Education

Engineering degree in Telecommunications/Electronics/CS/Aerospace

Job description

The European Space Agency (ESA) at ECSAT in Harwell, UK, seeks a Senior 5G/6G NTN System Engineer (SatCom) to advance satellite‑terrestrial networks in a multinational team. You will contribute to 5G/6G architectures, NTN integration, AI‑enabled networking, and industry collaboration on innovative ESA programmes.

Applicants should hold a related engineering degree and have at least five years in 5G/6G/NTN with knowledge of 3GPP standards and secure‑clearance eligibility.