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Seize the chance to advance the telecommunication and Earth observation capabilities of the European Space Agency as a Digital Payload Engineer
Overview
Salary
No salary declared 😔
Location
Noordwijk, NL
Expires
Expires at anytime
Organisation summary
The European Space Agency (ESA) is at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements in the global space sector. Join an international team working on groundbreaking projects and gain the opportunity to shape future capabilities in telecommunication payloads, navigation and Earth observation technologies.
Role Summary
- Your primary responsibility is the specification, design, development, and testing of various systems like telecommunication payloads and subsystems, microwave and remote sensing instruments, and navigation payloads.
- You will also work on telemetry, tracking, and control subsystems, payload data transmission subsystems, and digital communication equipment.
Role Requirements
- A master's degree in telecommunications, electronics, or RF/microwave engineering is required.
- Hands-on hardware experience, and specific experience in the technical domains of the position is crucial.
- Extensive understanding of navigation, telecommunication, and Earth observation payload functionalities and architectures is a must.
- Expertise in onboard digital signal/data processing equipment for payloads and TT&C/PDT subsystems is necessary.
Application Process Details
- Application closes on 8 April 2026.
- ESA is an equal opportunity employer seeking to create a diverse, inclusive work environment.
- Access to information, technology, and hardware are subject to European and US export control, and you should be able to acquire security clearance by your national security administrations.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking a Digital Payload Engineer to join our team at the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, located at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. This role is crucial for advancing ESA's capabilities in telecommunication payloads, navigation, and Earth observation technologies.
The role: As a Digital Payload Engineer, you will be involved in the specification, design, development, and verification/testing of various systems. These include telecommunication payloads and subsystems, microwave and millimetre-wave remote sensing instruments, and navigation payloads using analogue, digital, and optical onboard technologies. You will also work on telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) subsystems, payload data transmission subsystems, and digital communication equipment.
Job requirements: The ideal candidate will have a master's degree in telecommunications, electronics, or RF/microwave engineering. You should have a general background and specific experience in the technical domains of the position, including hands-on hardware experience and experience in the development and verification of space hardware. A good understanding of navigation, telecommunication, and Earth observation payload functionalities and architectures is essential. Recognised expertise in onboard digital signal/data processing equipment for payloads and TT&C/PDT subsystems is required.
Benefits: ESA offers a dynamic and international working environment with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects and technologies. The position is initially for 4 years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term.
Applications details: Interested candidates should apply by the closing date of 8 April 2026. ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
Additional information: Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and able to acquire security clearance by their national security administrations.
