Radio Navigation Engineer

Starion; Leiden; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration packages

Access to training and development programmes

Flexible relocation support

Job summary

A leading space engineering firm is seeking a Radio Navigation Engineer in Leiden, Netherlands. The role involves supporting the design, development, and R&D of PNT and geolocation systems, as well as managing contracts and working on groundbreaking projects like Galileo and 5G/6G positioning. Candidates must possess an engineering degree and experience with Radio Navigation systems. This position offers a dynamic work environment with competitive benefits, supporting autonomy and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Designing and testing Radio Navigation systems and equipment.
• Expertise in satellite navigation system design.
• Experience in GNSS/EGNOS/Galileo simulation.

Responsibilities

• Support design and development of PNT and geolocation systems.
• Work on projects like Galileo and FutureNAV.
• Manage industrial contracts including R&D activities.

Skills

Engineering degree in Telecommunications, Electrical, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering

Experience in designing and testing Radio Navigation systems and equipment

Strong expertise in satellite navigation system design

Proven experience in implementing advanced Radio Navigation simulation

Strong hands-on experience with satellite navigation receivers

Fluent in English, both written and spoken

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Commercial simulation software

Job description

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come?

We are looking for a Radio Navigation Engineer to work at ESA ESTEC’s premises in Noordwijk, Netherlands.

About the client and location

The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) based in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. As ESA’s largest test centre, it is responsible for the majority of space technology and spacecraft development through varying phases of production.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Supporting the design, development, and R&D of PNT and geolocation systems within ESA’s Navigation Systems Definition Section (TEC‑SEN).
• Supporting ESA navigation projects such as Galileo, LEO‑PNT, and FutureNAV.
• Working across system, signal, receiver, and performance activities for PNT and geolocation.
• Designing, implementing, and testing navigation systems, signals, and receiver techniques.
• Analysing and deriving system and user performance, including Galileo PRS and authentication services.
• Contributing to ESA’s R&D strategy and programme development.
• Supporting research in future PNT systems, including LEO‑PNT and multi‑layer PNT
• Working on emerging areas such as 5G/6G NTN positioning, Moon/Mars/Solar PNT, and deep‑space navigation.
• Supporting development in RFI monitoring, space receivers, and advanced signal‑processing techniques aimed at improving accuracy, availability, reliability, and resilience.
• Actively contributing to ESA standardisation activities, including participation in technical working groups on the relevant topics.
• Managing the design, specification, and follow‑up of industrial contracts, including R&D activities and the procurement of GNSS breadboards, receivers, and test user equipment.
• Supporting the design, implementation, maintenance, and operation of Radio Navigation equipment, simulation tools, and test facilities used to assess system and receiver performance.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• Engineering degree in Telecommunications, Electrical, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience in designing and testing Radio Navigation systems and equipment.
• Strong expertise in satellite navigation system design—including ranging, positioning, RF and signal processing, and digital receivers—with experience in GNSS/EGNOS/Galileo and solid knowledge of Radio Navigation simulation and testing tools
• Proven experience in implementing, maintaining, and operating advanced Radio Navigation simulation and test facilities for spacecraft, aviation, maritime, and land‑mobile applications.
• Strong hands‑on experience with satellite navigation receivers and with positioning and integrity algorithms.
• Eligibility to obtain an EU security clearance from the relevant national authority.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Experience with commercial simulation software is considered an asset.

Why should you apply?

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include; competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.