SatCom Payload Engineer

Starion; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 72,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) at ECSAT Harwell invites an experienced SatCom Payload Engineer to contribute to cutting-edge telecommunications satellite programmes. You will work within an international team to shape future space connectivity and satellite systems engineering.

The role requires a Master’s degree in Engineering or Physics and 4+ years in aerospace or telecom satellite hardware development, with strong English communication skills and a proactive, collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 4+ years in aerospace or telecom satellite equipment development/manufacturing.
• Experience with satellite payload architectures or onboard processing.
• Experience with spacecraft subsystems such as propulsion, EPS, AOCS, TT&C, or data processing.

Responsibilities

• Support development of telecommunications satellite technologies.
• Help initiate and deliver technology and product development activities.
• Contribute to definition and control of ESA requirements and documentation.
• Support evaluation and management of development contracts.
• Prepare status reports and work plans for internal reviews and committees.
• Collaborate with ESA experts across projects.
• Monitor market developments and industry trends.
• Support ARTES programme initiatives and market intelligence.

Skills

Payload hardware

Satcom systems engineering

English fluency

Cross-cultural teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Physics

Job description

SatCom Payload Engineer

Location: Harwell, United Kingdom. Application deadline: 26 October 2026. Reference number: 0592.

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?

Join us at ESA's ECSAT facility in Harwell, UK, as a SatCom Payload Engineer where you'll contribute to cutting-edge telecommunications satellite programmes shaping the future of connectivity and space communications.

About the client and location

The European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications is the European Space Agency's (ESA) base in Harwell, UK. With special focuses on the link between space and telecommunications, ECSAT also hosts ESA's Earth Observation Climate Office. It is from here that ESA's Climate Change Initiative programme is executed.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Supporting the development of innovative telecommunications satellite technologies and products, contributing to the advancement of future satcom capabilities.
• Helping initiate and deliver technology and product development activities for a wide range of satellite communication applications.
• Contributing to the definition, maintenance, and control of ESA requirements, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Supporting the evaluation, negotiation, monitoring, and management of development contracts and associated activities, ensuring successful delivery.
• Assisting with the preparation of status reports, work plans, and key documentation for internal reviews, adjudication committees, and delegate bodies.
• Collaborating closely with experts across ESA, sharing technical expertise and supporting a diverse portfolio of telecommunications projects.
• Monitoring market developments, emerging technologies, and industry trends to help shape future activities and strategic decisions.
• Supporting ARTES programme initiatives, including market intelligence activities, socioeconomic impact analysis, and the identification and escalation of issues throughout the procurement and project lifecycle.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• A Master's degree, or equivalent qualification, in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• At least 4 years of experience in the development and/or manufacturing of aerospace or telecommunications satellite equipment and subsystems.
• Strong knowledge of low-level solution definition and implementation within complex technical environments.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Satellite payload hardware and onboard processing system architectures.
• End-to-end satellite communications systems engineering
• Knowledge or hands-on involvement in spacecraft platform subsystems such as propulsion, electrical power systems, AOCS, TT&C, or onboard data processing units would be considered a strong asset.
• Eligibility to obtain ESA/EU Security Clearance and comply with Export Control requirements.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to work both independently and within multicultural, international teams.
• Strong communication skills, a customer-focused mindset, and a practical, solution-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

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.