SatCom Payload Engineer

Qabird; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration packages

Opportunity to work in other countries

Access to training and development programmes

Flexible relocation support

Job summary

Qabird is seeking a SatCom Payload Engineer to work at ESA’s premises in Noordwijk, Netherlands. This role involves supporting telecommunication satellite domain projects, with a focus on technology development and requirements management.

The ideal candidate must possess a Master’s degree in Engineering and Physics, along with at least 4 years of experience in aerospace or telecommunications satellite systems. The position offers a collaborative multicultural work environment and the chance to work with leading space organizations.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years proven experience in aerospace or telecommunications satellite equipment/subsystem development.
• Experience in the definition and implementation of low-level solutions.
• Desire to work autonomously and as part of a team in a multicultural environment.

Responsibilities

• Support activities in the Telecommunication Satellite Domain for projects.
• Manage development of telecommunication satellite technology and products.
• Facilitate contract evaluation and monitoring.

Skills

RF/mmWave technologies

Photonics

Payload hardware

System architecture

Communications systems engineering

Engineering and Physics Degree

Teamwork

Customer-focused communication

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in Engineering and Physics

Job description

SatCom Payload Engineer

Location: Harwell, United Kingdom Noordwijk, Netherlands

Application deadline: 30 June 2026

Reference number: 0528

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 Satcom Payload Engineer to work at ESA’s premises, either at ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, or at ECSAT in Harwell, UK.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to support the activities in the Telecommunication Satellite Domain for cutting-edge projects.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Supporting the management of activities devoted to the development of telecommunication satellite technology and products.
• Contributing to the initiation of activities related to technology and product development for satcom applications.
• Supporting the establishment and control of relevant ESA requirements, specifications and general documentation.
• Facilitating the evaluation, negotiation, monitoring and control of development contracts and activities.
• Assisting in the preparation of inputs to status reports.
• Contributing to the preparation of technology and product development work plans.
• Supporting other members of the directorate on their projects by sharing expertise.
• Monitoring market and technology trends and developments in satellite communication.
• Collaborating with specialists in other ESA departments.
• Detecting issues during procurement, execution or closure phases, and escalating them in a timely manner.
• Supporting the timely preparation of papers for Adjudication Committee meetings or Delegate bodies (IPC, JCB), with high quality standards.
• Contributing to the Department Business Intelligence management system by providing inputs on Market Intelligence.
• Supporting the promotion of ARTES and ARTES socioeconomic impact analysis.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Engineering and Physics, or a relevant field.
• At least 4 years proven experience in aerospace or telecommunications satellite equipment/subsystem development and/or manufacturing.
• Experience in the definition and implementation of low-level solutions.
• Proven expertise in one or more of the following areas: RF/mmWave technologies, photonics, payload hardware, and system architecture.
• Background in end-to-end communications systems engineering involving RF/mmWave or optical payloads.
• Management or hands‑on experience in one or more of the following S/C platform subsystems is an asset: propulsion, electrical power, AOCS, TT&C, or onboard data processing.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Eligibility for ESA / EU security clearance.
• Solution oriented mindset, with a customer focused communication skill.
• Fluent 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.