Navigation Systems Evolution Engineer

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) seeks a Navigation Systems Evolution Engineer for ESA's ESTEC in Noordwijk, NL. This fixed-term role focuses on end-to-end PNT and geolocation system development for Earth and space applications, contributing to system definition and performance analyses.

The position requires a master's degree in telecoms, electronics or aerospace engineering and involves international collaboration, R&D, and advanced receiver/algorithm work within the Navigation Systems Definition

Qualifications

• Master's degree in telecommunications, electronics, aerospace engineering or similar is required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to, lead and provide expert technical support to ESA projects in PNT and geolocation for Earth and space applications.
• Support definition, design and development of PNT system evolutions, including multilayer systems and end-to-end architectures.
• Engage in R&D activities and technology development relevant to navigation, geolocation and related disciplines.

Skills

PNT systems

GNSS signals

Moon/Mars navigation

Education

Master's degree in telecommunications, electronics, aerospace engineering

Job description

Navigation Systems Evolution Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20368

Date Posted: 8 October 2026

Closing Date: 22 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: Internal & External

Type of Appointment (learn more): Fixed-Term

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace

Noordwijk, NL

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

Description

Navigation Systems Evolution Engineer in the Navigation Systems Definition Section, End to end Systems Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Navigation Systems Definition Section (TEC-SEN) leads or provides support to the Agency’s activities that require expertise in the definition, design and development of positioning, navigation, timing and geolocation systems.

The positioning, navigation, timing and geolocation domain covers the end-to-end engineering of positioning, navigation, timing and geolocation systems at system, space, ground and user segment level, covering links, elements and equipment, system concepts, and all related techniques and technologies for Earth, space and Solar System applications, system/segment/payload system architectures and performance, signal-in-space and signal processing, GNSS receivers, algorithms, OD&TS, formation-flying and RF/optical metrology.

Duties

• contributing, leading and/or providing expert technical support to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) and geolocation for Earth and space applications, throughout all project phases, with a focus on the definition, design and development phases;
• contributing, leading and/or providing expert technical support to the definition, design and development of PNT system evolutions, including multilayer systems and related technologies, and covering end-to-end system, architecture, signal, performance, receiver, algorithms and payload system architecture aspects, among others;
• contributing, leading and/or providing expert technical support to the definition, design and development of multilayer and multidomain (PNT, Earth observation and telecommunications) resilience and governmental satellite systems, techniques and technologies;
• contributing, leading and/or providing expert technical support to the definition, design and evolution of current and future ESA and EU projects and programmes, covering open and governmental services, as well as integrated systems, including ESA/EU PNT (Galileo, LEO-PNT, EGNOS, Opstar), European Resilience from Space (ERS) and ERS SoS (EO/SAR, Comms and PNT), deep-space PNT (Moonlight, Novamoon, Lightship, SSI Navigation), future demonstrators (RFI geolocation, formation-flying satellite systems), and R&D and innovation programmes;
• participating in and/or leading feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• defining and performing internal R&D activities within the field of competence of the Section; and initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with an emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• defining, initiating, implementing and/or managing laboratory activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technology trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting and/or leading other activities within your field of competence and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience with laboratory or field testing of relevant technical equipment

Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews

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 telecommunications, electronics, aerospace engineering or similar is required for this post.

Additional Requirements

• GNSS/PNT systems, architecture, signals, performance, algorithms, receiver techniques, payload system architecture and all related technologies;
• Galileo PRS and non-PRS;
• LEO-PNT;
• Deep-space navigation for Moon/Mars/Solar System;
• RFI monitoring and geolocation;
• Governmental satellite systems;
• EO/SAR satellite systems, signals, techniques and payload system architecture;
• Telecom satellite systems, signals, techniques and payload system architecture;
• Fused PNT;
• Integrated PNT/telecom/remote sensing;
• Signal processing applied to PNT, geolocation, telecom and/or EO/SAR systems and applications.

Experience in the design and evolution of ESA and EU navigation/geolocation systems, signals and/or receivers would be considered an asset.

You have experience of working in international and multidisciplinary environments.

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.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

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.