Ground Segment Product Engineer (2 posts)

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency is seeking a Ground Segment Product Engineer (2 posts) to lead product development activities for satellite communications. The posts may be based at ESTEC Noordwijk, NL or ECSAT Harwell, GB, with a fixed-term appointment of four years and potential extension up to eight years.

The role requires a master’s degree (or bachelor’s with four years’ experience) and deep knowledge of ground segment architecture, market analysis, and ESA processes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required or bachelor’s degree with 4 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in ground/space segment product development and related markets.
• Knowledge of ESA processes, verification and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, monitor and control ground and user segment product development activities.
• Manage implementation of ground and user segment product activities.
• Assess business cases and market assumptions for development efforts.
• Run industry roadmap meetings on ground and user segment products.
• Identify product needs and innovation opportunities in satellite ground/user segments.
• Support market intelligence and strategic initiatives for ground/user segments.
• Promote Directorate programmes and socio-economic impact analyses.
• Coordinate expert technical support from ESA units as needed.

Skills

Product development management

Satellite communications

Industry collaboration

Digitalisation

Virtualisation

User terminal technologies

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant domain

Bachelor’s degree with 4 years’ relevant experience

Job description

Ground Segment Product Engineer (2 posts)

Job Requisition ID: 20482

Date Posted: 21 August 2026

Closing Date: 4 September 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term

Directorate: Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL Harwell, GB

Grade Band: A2 - A4

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 or ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Description

Ground Segment Product Engineer in the Ground Segment Section, Technology and Products Division, Systems, Future Missions Department, Directorate of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity.

Duties

• initiating, monitoring and controlling activities relating to ground and user segment product development for satellite communications;
• managing the implementation of activities relating to ground and user segment products;
• assessing the business cases and market assumptions of industry-initiated ground and user segment product development activities;
• conducting industry roadmap meetings on ground and user segment products;
• identifying and defining product needs and innovation opportunities in the ground and user segments of satellite communication systems;
• supporting market intelligence studies and contributing to strategic initiatives relating to the ground and user segments of satellite communication systems;
• supporting the promotion of the Directorate’s programmes and socioeconomic impact analysis;
• coordinating expert technical support provided by other ESA organisational units as required to ensure effective initiation and management of activities.

Technical competencies

Experience in managing product development activities carried out by industry for satellite communication applications

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Knowledge of satellite communication ground segment architecture, products, market and business case analysis

Knowledge of digitalisation, virtualisation and ground segment networking in satellite communications

Knowledge of user terminal technologies and products across various satellite communications markets and use cases

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 And Professional Experience

A master’s degree in a relevant domain 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 in ground segment technology and equipment, subsystem design and development.

Understanding of satellite communication market dynamics, business plans and market trends, as well as disruptive innovation strategies.

Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications operator and European industry, as well as an in-depth understanding of operating within a European agency framework, would be a distinct advantage.

You should also demonstrate strong negotiation skills and have contract or 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, 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.