Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
End-to-End Navigation System Engineer in the Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section, End-to-End Systems Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
Our team and mission:
You will belong to the Navigation Systems Implementation & Validation Section (TEC-SEI). The Section provides expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes, and general studies in the field of radio navigation systems and techniques (PNT, in particular GNSS). Our core mission focus lies in the critical project lifecycle Phases C and onwards, bridging the gap between detailed design, physical implementation, and operational deployment. To successfully deliver on this mandate, the Section requires strong expertise in system design and validation (engineering).
Duties
As an End-to-End Navigation System Engineer specialising in SI&V, your primary responsibilities will focus on the end-to-end integration, testing, and validation of complex navigation architectures. You will support established programmes like Galileo, as well as new and emerging ESA PNT missions such as the Celeste LEO-PNT In-Orbit Demonstrator and OpStar. Your duties will include:
- defining, guiding, and executing comprehensive System Assembly, Integration and Validation (SI&V) strategies and test campaigns across Phase C, D, and E lifecycles for Galileo (G1 and G2), Celeste LEO-PNT, and OpStar;
- providing expert system design and validation engineering support to subsystem-level and system-level Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) and AIV processes, ensuring correct flow-down of system requirements to the segment and payload levels;
- operating and exploiting ESTEC Navigation Laboratory facilities—including System Test Beds (e.g., G2STB), Radio Frequency Constellation Simulators (RFCS), and Test User Receivers (TURNs)—to conduct Signal-in-Space (SIS) compatibility testing and end-to-end performance verification;
- supporting commissioning and in-flight operations, including Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and In-Orbit Testing (IOT) activities, actively investigating system anomalies, and managing the resolution of non-conformances;
- supporting the performance monitoring of Systems in operation, investigation of system anomalies and the design, development and validation of related tools;
- participating as a technical expert in formal project reviews (e.g., Critical Design Reviews \[CDRs\], Test Readiness Reviews \[TRRs\], and Acceptance Reviews \[ARs\]), evaluating industrial data packs to ensure integration readiness and system design maturity;
- defining test scenarios, coordinating data dissemination analysis, generating test vectors, and executing hardware-in-the-loop laboratory activities to evaluate and verify new PNT subsystems and equipment;
- contributing to the continuous improvement of SI&V engineering best practices, standards, and tools, actively capturing and sharing validation methodologies across the Agency.
Technical competencies
Deep understanding of system design and verification processes for space missions (focusing on Phase C and onwards), specifically for GNSS and emerging PNT architectures (e.g., LEO-PNT)
Proven hands-on experience defining test plans and executing hardware/software test campaigns in laboratory environments using system test beds, signal simulators, and advanced receivers
Familiarity with the Galileo system architecture, signals (e.g., OS, HAS, PRS), and its specific SI&V operational processes
Experience in preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation)
Experience in the management and technical monitoring of industrial activities, including resolving complex integration non-conformances and driving formal technical reviews
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 in telecommunication engineering or another relevant domain is required for this post, together with 4 years of relevant professional experience.
Additional requirements
- experience of working with satellite navigation in particular and PNT in general;
- knowledge of and proven experience in machine learning or data analysis applied to PNT, end-to-end navigations systems performance analysis, GNSS receiver signal processing, advanced positioning algorithms are all considered assets;
- strong technical, analytical, organisational and reporting skills, with a proactive attitude to solving problems;
- good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team;
- understanding of the ESA procurement process.
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.
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.