E2E Space Systems Communications Engineer

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 an End-to-End Space Systems Communications Engineer to work at ECSAT premises in Harwell, United Kingdom.

The European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Harwell, UK. With special focuses on the link between space andtelecommunications, ECSAT also hosts ESA’s Earth Observation Climate Office. It is from here that ESA’s Climate Change Initiative programme is executed.

The scope of work will include:

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• Supporting the definition, architecture, and performance assessment of communications and navigation systems (from physical to application layer) including link budgets, data flow, encryption, and authentication analysis.
  
• Following up on industrial activities related to space, ground, and user segments, from system design and trade-offs to development, verification, and acceptance.
  
• Helping define and implement ESA’s R&D activities in communication and navigation systems, exploring new concepts, technologies, and operational techniques.
  
• Participating in mission studies, project reviews, and procurement evaluations while contributing to the preparation, tailoring, and application of standards (ECSS, CCSDS, etc.).
  
• Shaping the Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS):
  
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  • Supporting the full lifecycle of the Moonlight LCNS system, from design and development to deployment, on-ground verification, and in-orbit validation.
    
  • Defining and managing service and system requirements, interfaces, and performance indicators.
    
  • Developing integration, verification, and validation plans to ensure seamless performance across system segments.
    
  
  
  
• Coordinating with Space and Ground Segment teams, internal and external partners, and end users to ensure interoperability, operational alignment, and high-quality service delivery.
  
• Studying and developing innovative use cases and operational scenarios for lunar communications and navigation services, engaging with exploration users, partner agencies, and commercial stakeholders.
  

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

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• Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Telecommunications or Electronic Engineering.
  
• In addition to the required 4 years relevant work experience, you should have some years of work experience in the field of Communication and/or Navigation system engineering applied to space.
  
• Strong experience in defining, analysing, and managing system and user requirements, ensuring technical consistency and mission success.
  
• A solid grasp of system-level architecture and performance trade-offs, with the ability to apply sound engineering judgement to complex problems.
  
• Strong problem-solving, risk management, and reporting abilities, with attention to detail and accountability for results.
  
• Eligibility for security clearance from your national authority and for any required export control authorisations.
  
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
  
• Solution oriented mindset, with a customer focused communication skill.
  
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
  

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• 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 welcome applications from people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, all genders, LGBTQ+ individuals and ex-service personnel.