Space Safety Architect — Verification, GNC & Robotics Lead

European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency in the Netherlands is seeking a Space Safety Functional and Validation Architect to define and validate missions from Phase A to E1, covering GNC, AOCS and robotics in the loop. You will work across Project Management, Mission Study teams and industry partners to ensure robust verification and validation across complex space systems.

The role requires extensive hands-on spacecraft development experience, ECSS proficiency, and proven leadership for cross-functional

Qualifications

• More than 10 years of hands-on experience in spacecraft development.
• Significant involvement in verification and validation activities.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and validate Space Safety missions from Phase A to E1, including GNC, AOCS and robotics.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Mission Study teams and industry partners.
• Support risk, schedule and cost control while guiding reviews and approvals.
• Provide guidance on verification, validation and procurement activities for space missions.

Skills

Spacecraft development experience

Verification and validation expertise

Leadership and collaboration

Education

Master's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

ECSS standards

Job description

European Space Agency in the Netherlands is seeking a Space Safety Functional and Validation Architect to define and validate missions from Phase A to E1, covering GNC, AOCS and robotics in the loop. You will work across Project Management, Mission Study teams and industry partners to ensure robust verification and validation across complex space systems.

The role requires extensive hands-on spacecraft development experience, ECSS proficiency, and proven leadership for cross-functional