FDIR System Engineer

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency is seeking a skilled FDIR System Engineer in the TEC SY group to provide cross‑program fault detection, isolation and recovery expertise. The role spans the mission lifecycle from design through operations, collaborating with avionics, software and operations teams.

Responsibilities include leading FDIR integration, documenting across mission phases, and supporting reviews and training; the candidate should have a Master's in aerospace engineering and at least four years'

Qualifications

• A master's degree in aerospace engineering or relevant scientific discipline is required.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required.
• Experience in defining, integrating and verifying FDIR for complex space systems.
• Knowledge of ECSS standards and ESA FDIR practices.
• Familiarity with advanced FDIR techniques, including model based and AI supported approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and support to ESA Projects with respect to FDIR across all system elements and project lifecycle phases.
• Lead integration and ensure full traceability of FDIR aspects across system design, implementation and verification.
• Own, review and consolidate FDIR documentation for all mission phases.
• Define, maintain and validate the FDIR concept in close alignment with system design.
• Support the analysis of operational data and lessons learned for FDIR improvement.
• Contribute to the definition and maintenance of FDIR standards, guidelines and best practices.

Skills

FDIR

System engineering

AI techniques

Communication skills

Independent working

Education

Master's degree in aerospace engineering

Job description

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Closing Date: 7 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment ( learn more ) : 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

FDIR System Engineer in the FDIR System Group (TEC SY): the group acts as ESA’s centre of excellence for Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery, within the Systems Department of the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

You will work within a transversal team providing FDIR expertise across all ESA missions and directorates, covering the full mission lifecycle from early design through operations and lessons learned. The group leads the definition, harmonisation and validation of FDIR concepts, requirements and architectures, and supports projects in close coordination with system engineering, avionics, software and operations.

You will provide functional support to assigned ESA projects as FDIR expert, contributing to project reviews, architectural trade offs, verification strategies, standardisation activities, R&D and training provision

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities as FDIR team member in TEC-SY will include:

• provide technical leadership and support to ESA Projects with respect to Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery across all system elements and all project lifecycle phases, acting as the focal point for FDIR within projects;
• lead the integration and ensure full traceability of FDIR aspects across system design, implementation and verification, ensuring consistency across all project artefacts;
• own, prepare, review and consolidate FDIR documentation for all mission phases, ensuring compliance with ESA internal processes, applicable standards and best engineering practices;
• define, maintain and validate the FDIR concept in close alignment with overall system design and engineering constraints, providing guidance to project teams;
• promote and apply rigorous, traceable engineering processes to demonstrate the adequacy and fitness for purpose of FDIR solutions and associated risk mitigation strategies;
• provide expert support to project reviews and internal technical discussions, including residual risk identification and evaluation of FDIR strategies;
• coordinate the collection, organisation and consistency of FDIR related information within projects, ensuring alignment across disciplines;
• support the analysis of operational data and lessons learned from missions, contributing to the continuous improvement of FDIR concepts, methods and documentation;
• contribute to the definition, review and maintenance of FDIR related standards, guidelines and best practices, including the maintenance and update of the ESA FDIR Handbook;
• participate in and lead FDIR related research and development activities, including the assessment and application of novel techniques and tools such as AI based approaches;
• support the design and delivery of internal FDIR training activities and knowledge transfer initiatives across the Agency;
• contribute to unit activities focused on knowledge consolidation, tool harmonisation and cross directorate alignment, fostering synergies across ESA projects.

Your duties may also include support to other activities within your field of competence.

Experience in defining, integrating and verifying FDIR for complex space systems

Strong system level engineering knowledge across avionics, subsystems, software, operations

Experience with FDIR documentation, traceability and compliance with ESA/ECSS processes

Ability to assess robustness and suitability FDIR solutions and risk mitigation

Experience with operational data analysis and lessons learned for FDIR improvement

Knowledge of ECSS standards and ESA FDIR practices

Familiarity with advanced FDIR techniques, including model based and AI supported approaches

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

A master's degree in aerospace engineering or relevant scientific discipline is required for this position. A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required.

Additional requirements

• solid experience in system level fault management and FDIR activities, including involvement in functional verification, system validation or operational preparatory activities;
• experience working with complex satellite systems, with exposure to system engineering, software and operations interfaces considered an asset;
• experience in requirements engineering, traceability and engineering data management tools considered an asset;
• strong analytical skills with the ability to assess failures, risks and recovery strategies at system level;
• ability to proactively coordinate and engage with a wide range of internal technical disciplines and external partners, while considering programmatic constraints;
• capability to anticipate issues and propose pragmatic, technically sound solutions in line with project and group objectives;
• flexibility in handling day to day technical priorities and competing demands, with strong planning and organisational skills;
• high level of motivation, ownership and proactivity;
• ability to work independently while maintaining regular technical exchange with line management;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex FDIR concepts and issues.

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.

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.

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

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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.