OpSTAR System Engineer

Job Requisition ID:  20396
Date Posted:  27 March 2026
Closing Date:  17 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication:  Internal & External
Type of Appointment 4 years, extendable to indefinite
Directorate:  Navigation
Workplace: 

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

Description

The OpSTAR In-Orbit Demonstrator is one of the in-orbit demonstrators of the FutureNAV programme and includes the implementation of the end-to-end infrastructure to validate a system concept based on the use of optical links for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT).

Reporting to the OpSTAR Project Manager, you, as the OpSTAR System Engineer, will be responsible for the activities related to system engineering and operations for the implementation of the OpSTAR In-Orbit Demonstrator.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

  • supporting the implementation of the overall OpSTAR system engineering activities, focusing on the OpSTAR in-orbit-demonstrator (IOD) system architecture and design, system and segment requirements engineering and OpSTAR IOD internal and external interfaces;
  • supporting the definition and maintenance of mission or system end-to-end architecture, including interfaces between space segment and ground segment components, and interfaces with any external system, in cooperation with space segment and ground segment teams;
  • supporting the definition and maintenance of the mission or system operations concept, in cooperation with the operations team;
  • ensuring the mission or system end-to-end integration and testing, and the testing of its external interfaces;
  • identifying overall system design drivers and supporting the devising of technical trade-offs in support of the design process;
  • documenting and maintaining overall system technical budgets, and their allocation to space segment and ground segment components;
  • contributing to the definition of the OpSTAR IOD experimentation plan and supporting tools in preparation for the IOD campaigns;
  • contributing to the definition of the mission operations concept for the OpSTAR IOD to ensure consistency of the mission operations with the overall OpSTAR IOD mission objectives and the experimentation plan;
  • contributing to the technical definition and specification of the OpSTAR IOD operations;
  • supporting the OpSTAR project for the preparation of subsequent OpSTAR IOD phases in your areas of responsibility;
  • supporting the OpSTAR project procurement of future industrial activities.

When performing your duties, you will work in close collaboration with a team of specialists within the OpSTAR project, as well as from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and the Directorate of Operations.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of system engineering and the related processes
Multidisciplinary knowledge of your area of responsibility
Knowledge of other technical domains interfacing with your own area of responsibility, in particular verification, validation, system operations and security
Knowledge of satellite navigation systems
Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes
Knowledge of Space system development and PA standards
Experience of working in a project environment in industry or at ESA

Behavioural competencies

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


For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post along with four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience may be considered.

Additional requirements

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
 
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.  


At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.