Propagation Engineer

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency in Noordwijk, Netherlands, seeks a Propagation Engineer to support the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section. You will apply RF and optical propagation models, contribute to remote sensing and data processing tool development, and help validate end-to-end performance of payload systems.

The role requires a master's degree and 5 years of relevant experience, strong collaboration with engineers and scientists, and the ability to manage laboratory and field campaigns while

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant domain and 5 years of professional experience.
• Strong experience in wave propagation modelling (RF and optical).
• Knowledge of telecommunications and navigation concepts.
• Experience with propagation channel models.
• Experience in laboratory tests and propagation campaigns.
• Ability to interact with scientific and engineering communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support to ESA projects and studies throughout all project phases.
• Participate in feasibility studies, project reviews and procurement proposal evaluations.
• Identify critical development problems and assist in their resolution.
• Define technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency's programmes.
• Define and manage R&D activities covering long- and short-term needs.
• Foster new application areas for multidisciplinary activities and cutting-edge tech.
• Oversee laboratory activities and monitor state-of-the-art trends.
• Disseminate results and transfer knowledge across the Agency.

Skills

Wave propagation modelling

RF/optical propagation

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in a relevant domain

PhD advantageous

Job description

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Closing Date: 4 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

Propagation Engineer in the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section, Radio Frequency Payloads and Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Duties

The Wave Interaction and Propagation Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field(s) of:

• wave propagation relevant to space communications, navigation and remote sensing;
• wave interaction for active, passive and combined remote sensing of the ocean, land and atmosphere of the Earth and other planets;
• in situ characterisation of the interaction/propagation environment;
• data processing and data science techniques, simulation and performance evaluation tools;

relating to:

• modelling and experimental validation;
• associated processing, mitigation, retrieval, correction and calibration algorithms for product generation. For remote sensing, this includes algorithmic developments relevant to Lvl1 and Lvl2 ground processing;
• remote sensing, design and validation of onboard processing functions/algorithms for payload data products, image processing and optical payload data compression;
• relevant end-to-end performance assessment, including contributions to data product quality monitoring and improvement.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• 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, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• laboratory activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your area of competence.

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

Experience with the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods

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

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience with laboratory or field campaigns

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

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

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• Strong experience in wave propagation modelling (RF and optical) relevant to telecommunications and/or navigation and in the associated characterisation of the propagation environment
• Knowledge of telecommunications and navigation concepts, including signal structure, and awareness of related remote sensing concepts
• Experience in the development of propagation channel models
• Knowledge of deriving environment-related requirements for navigation receivers and reference stations
• Experience in defining and using performance simulation tools and in conducting simulations and end-to-end performance analyses
• Familiarity with the definition and implementation of laboratory tests and propagation campaigns
• Experience in a project environment working on procurement and monitoring of industrial activities
• Awareness of standardisation bodies relevant to the field of wave propagation, such as ITU-R and 3GPP

Particular importance will be attached to the ability to interact with both the scientific and engineering communities.

A PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline would be considered advantageous.

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.