Space Segment Product Engineer

European Space Agency - ESA; Harwell; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international space organization is seeking a Space Segment Product Engineer at its Harwell location in the UK. The role requires managing product development for satellite communication and involves strategic collaboration with various departments. Candidates must possess a Master's degree and relevant experience in satellite communications. This position offers competitive benefits in a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Direct experience in satellite communications space segment technology and product definition.
• Development experience in subsystems: propulsion, power or electrical architecture.
• Experience in the satellite telecommunication industry is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage space segment technology and product development activities.
• Collaborate with Procurement and strategic managers.
• Conduct industry roadmap meetings on space segment products.

Skills

Managing space segment technology and product development

Knowledge of satellite communication systems

Negotiation skills

Contract management

Education

Master's degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline

Job description

Overview

Job Requisition ID: 19809

Date Posted: 29 September 2025

Application Deadline: 20 October 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications

Workplace: Harwell, GB

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Position

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

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Head of the Space Segment Section in the Technologies and Products Division, you will be responsible for the management of space segment (platform and payload) technology and product development activities for satellite communication applications.
• Initiating, monitoring and controlling, in collaboration with the Procurement Department, the Strategic Programme Line managers and other relevant departments of ESA, ARTES Core Competitiveness (CC) and other ARTES Programme line activities related to space segment product development for satellite communications.
• Managing the implementation of activities related to space segment products.
• Reviewing business cases and market assumptions for both ESA- and industry-initiated space segment development activities.
• Conducting industry roadmap meetings on space segment products.
• Contributing to 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 directorate programmes and socioeconomic impact analysis.
• Coordinating expert technical support provided by other ESA organisational units 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 and market
• Knowledge of platform architectures and subsystems, preferably in the context of space telecommunications applications

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Direct experience in satellite communications space segment technology and product definition and development, including specific knowledge and development experience of at least one of the following platform subsystems: propulsion, power or electrical architecture.

Experience in the satellite telecommunication industry would be a distinct advantage.

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

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency\'s security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

Note: This description may include references to external links and generic statements that are not essential to the core responsibilities.