Ground Segment Engineer

SSC Space; Klaterbuurt; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SSC Space is seeking an experienced Ground Segment Engineer in the Netherlands to assess emerging satellite communication technologies and R&D proposals, acting as the technical point of contact for selected projects.

You will review progress with industry partners, participate in technical reviews, and help identify and prioritise opportunities across a broad range of technologies and organisations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Engineering or a relevant field.
• At least 4 years of industry experience in satellite communications ground segment infrastructure across Physical, Data Link and Network layers.
• Expertise in satellite communication digitalisation: SDR, SDN, containerisation, virtualisation, interoperability solutions, AI/ML.
• Expertise in RF and optical communication systems and networking.
• Knowledge of communication protocols including QoS, security, IP/networking and air-interface techniques.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to discuss complex technical subjects.
• Ability to work independently and in an international, multicultural environment.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Assess emerging satellite communication technologies and R&D ideas with a focus on the ground segment.
• Contribute to the technical assessment and prioritisation of new activities.
• Evaluate industry proposals and technical development plans.
• Follow assigned R&D projects and assess progress against technical objectives.
• Review technical documentation, reports and deliverables.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Independent & collaborative

Customer-focused mindset

English fluency

Education

Master's Degree or equivalent in Engineering

Tools

SDR

SDN

Containerisation

Virtualisation

Interoperability solutions

AI/ML

RF/Optical systems

Job description

Description

Help shape the future of satellite communications! Are you an experienced satellite communications engineer with a strong interest in emerging technologies and the future of satcom?

SSC Space is looking for aGround Segment Engineer to assess new satellite communication technologies and R&D proposals, support the selection of future activities, and follow their technical development with industry.

This is an opportunity to use your engineering expertise across a broad range of technologies and organisations, rather than focusing on a single product or system.

About the role Ideas for new R&D activities are collected through an open process from industry. You will help assess these ideas, work with subject-matter experts and contribute to identifying and prioritising the most promising opportunities.

Once activities are launched, you will follow selected projects as the technical point of contact and supervisor. You will review technical documentation and deliverables, discuss progress and challenges with the industrial teams, participate in technical reviews and visit development partners to assess progress first-hand.

Projects are assigned according to your experience and technical expertise. Over time, you will have the opportunity to develop a recognised area of expertise and become a technical reference point within the organisation.

Requirements

• A Master's Degree or equivalent in Engineering or a relevant field.
• At least 4 years of industry experience in satellite communications ground segment infrastructure, including products and technologies across Physical, Data Link, and Network layers.
• Expertise in satellite communication digitalisation, such as:
  • Software-Defined Radio (SDR)
  • Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
  • Containerisation
  • Virtualisation
  • Interoperability solutions
  • AI/ML
• Expertise in RF and optical communication systems and networking.
• Knowledge of communication protocols, including QoS, security, IP/networking and air-interface techniques.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to understand and discuss complex technical subjects.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international, multicultural environment.
• A solution-oriented and customer-focused mindset.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Additional is a plus:

• Knowledge/experience in the ground segment of optical satellite communications, including optical ground stations and networking solutions; familiarity of end‑to‑end optical systems is an advantage.
• Knowledge/experience in the ground segment of satellite communication systems for safety and security, including data link and networking solutions; knowledge of cyber/RF security and/or maritime/aviation satcom standards is an advantage.

Responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced satcom engineer with a strong technical foundation and curiosity about emerging technologies with experience on the ground segment.

• Assess emerging satellite communication technologies and R&D ideas, with a focus on the ground segment.
• Contribute to the technical assessment and prioritisation of new activities.
• Evaluate industry proposals and technical development plans.
• Follow assigned R&D projects and assess progress against technical objectives.
• Review technical documentation, reports and deliverables.