Photonic EEEE Engineer

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

Job summary

European Space Agency is seeking a Photonic EEEE Engineer in the Avionics and EEE Division to provide expert technical support across ESA projects, programmes and studies in photonic and detector EEEE. You will contribute to technology development requirements and manage R&D activities with a focus on innovative concepts and standards compliance.

The role requires hands-on hardware experience, a master's degree in physics or related fields, and several years of relevant expertise in space

Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics, electronics, photonics, optoelectronics, microelectronics or related discipline with ~4 years of relevant experience.
• Space project experience would be an asset.
• Good knowledge of related R&D trends and industrial landscape.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and studies in photonic and detector EEEE.
• Contribute to defining technology development requirements and work plans for ESA technology programmes.
• Define, initiate and manage R&D activities covering long- and short-term needs.
• Foster new application areas for multidisciplinary activities and innovative concepts.
• Support technology domain standardisation activities (e.g., ESCC, ECSS).
• Disseminate results and transfer knowledge across the Agency.

Skills

Photonic EEEE expertise

Hands-on hardware experience

Project support experience

Laboratory/field testing experience

Education

Master's degree in physics

Master's degree in electronics/photonic related field

Job description

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Closing Date: 5 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: Internal & External

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

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Photonic EEEE Engineer in the Components Section, Avionics and EEE Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

You will provide support in the areas of:

• photonic EEEE components (laser diodes, photo diodes, LEDs, optical fibre, passive optical components, etc.);

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of photonic and detector EEEE throughout all project phases;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with an emphasis on innovative concepts and cutting-edge technologies;
• supporting technology domain-related standardisation activities (e.g. ESCC, ECSS);
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• initiating and monitoring laboratory activities including preparation of test plans and review of test reports;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise.

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

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

Hands-on hardware experience

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience with laboratory or field testing of relevant technical equipment

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation, etc.)

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

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

A master's degree in physics, electronics engineering, photonics, optoelectronics, microelectronics or a related discipline is required for this post together with, in principle, 4 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• Professional experience with space projects and products would be an asset.
• A PhD in a related discipline would be an asset.

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.