D2D 5G/6G Network Lead Mission Engineer

ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA's D2D Project seeks a Network Lead Mission Engineer to drive the development and validation of 5G/6G NTN systems for Direct-to-Device partnerships. You will coordinate with satellite operators, prime contractors and internal teams to ensure end-to-end system integrity within schedule and cost constraints.

You will oversee the design, validation, and integration of 5G/6G network elements across space and ground segments, including software, hardware and testbeds, to deliver mission-ready

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline with 4 years of experience.
• Experience in cross-functional teams and driving innovation.

Responsibilities

• Define, procure, design, develop and validate the 5G/6G NTN system for D2D projects.
• Ensure system performance aligns with requirements across space, ground and user segments.
• Lead end-to-end integration of NTN payloads and ground networks including O-RAN/NTN architectures.
• Coordinate reviews and interface with industrial partners and operators.
• Monitor schedule, risks and costs; report to ESA management.

Skills

SatCom systems

5G/6G telecom networks

end-to-end validation

model-based system engineering

industrial procurement

Education

Master's degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree + 4 years experience

Job description

The D2D 5G/6G Network Lead Mission Engineer will work in the D2D Project within the Communication Constellations and NG 5G6G NTN Partnerships Division in the Commercial Partnerships Department within the Directorate of Commercialisation and Industry Partnerships.

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Grade band
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.

Description

Reporting to the D2D Mission Manager, you will be responsible for all 5G/6G network development and procurement aspects for the Direct-to-Device (D2D) Partnership Projects (ELEOSYS and SELYCE) under the same Department.

You will be the focal point and day-to-day interface with the satellite operators and industrial prime contractors, and, under the leadership and authority of management, will be responsible for decision-making on behalf of the ESA Partnership Projects and for the design, development, qualification, on-ground verification and in-orbit validation of 5G/6G network elements, ensuring overall consistency with the mission requirements and end-to-end performances within schedule and cost.

Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity for Direct-to-Device (D2D) presents one of the greatest potential growth opportunities in satcom. The objective of the D2D partnership projects is to design, develop, qualify, integrate and validate satellite payload, platform and ground network innovative technologies using ESA Member States’ supply chain solutions in a pre-operational system showcasing emerging D2D services.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• leading and coordinating the definition, procurement, design, development, qualification, acceptance, deployment and ground- and in-orbit validation of the 5G/6G NTN system architecture for the D2D Partnership Projects;
• ensuring the alignment of the mission performances with the system requirements for the space, ground and user segments, and compliance with the specified requirements;
• supervising the development and validation of the 5G/6G NTN software protocol stack, both on board and on the ground, including end-to-end system integration and validation through testbeds and in-orbit demonstrations;
• leading the end-to-end integration of NTN payloads, RAN and core subsystems, and O-RAN/NTN-with the different ground architectures;
• ensuring technical consistency and effective coordination across the various project areas under the responsibility of the project team;
• interfacing with industrial counterparts to review, monitor and support contractors’ technical progress and implementation status;
• supporting, as required, industry tailoring and leading the subsequent application of ESA, international and industry standards;
• responsibility for the requirements and specifications, technical budgets, design drivers, internal and external interfaces, system performance and operational concepts, including their consistency with the mission requirements, specifications and technical budgets;
• managing, together with the operators and the industrial prime contractors, the system, subsystem and equipment reviews in your area of competence;
• participating in all level reviews as lead 5G/6G network representative of the department D2D projects;
• leading the preparation and implementation of mission, system, and lower-level reviews in cooperation with the project team and supporting the other project team engineers in other project lower-level reviews;
• leading a team of engineers and specialised engineering support from the Directorates of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) and Operations (D/OPS);
• proactively monitoring the overall system schedule, identifying risks and problem areas, providing assessments and proposing mitigation actions from industry and the ESA side;
• monitoring the completion of system activities within technical performance, schedule and cost;
• monitoring system competitiveness through regular competitiveness meetings;
• supporting the Project Manager for regular technical, programmatic and financial reporting to ESA management and the Participating States;
• supporting meetings with delegations and partners, as required;
• contributing to relevant communication and outreach activities;
• identifying challenges and opportunities associated with system evolutions and proposing corresponding updates to the mission architecture and interfaces;
• supporting other activities of the Department, such as the preparation of future mission opportunities, as required, and relevant to your experience.

Technical competencies

• Proven experience in SatCom systems specification, design, development, verification and end-to-end validation, ideally in the area of satellite constellations
• Proven experience with 5G/6G telecom networks engineering, verification, end-to-end validation and operations, including large-scale ground software developments, ideally also in 5G/6G NTN networks
• Experience in agile system engineering and model-based system engineering are distinct advantages
• Knowledge of ESA or large industrial procurement processes and contracts negotiation
• Knowledge of complex project risk management, industrial costs and schedule control

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline 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 working in a cross-functional team and in promoting innovation through a creative collaboration process;
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• Ability to understand, and to clearly and concisely communicate complex technical issues to the team and external parties;
• Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunication’s prime contractor and/or operator will be a distinct advantage. Experience with ESA’s Partnership Projects would be an asset.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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.

Nationality and Languages

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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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.