Responsibilities
- Deliver specialized technical guidance and solutions during all phases of ESA projects related to on-board computing and data handling systems.
- Assist in the creation, verification, and validation of data handling components, subsystems, and overall architectures.
- Support the design and validation of full data processing pathways, including onboard communication buses and protocols.
- Participate in key project reviews at the unit level, such as System Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, and Test Readiness Review.
- Carry out laboratory tasks as directed by the Work Package Technical Responsible, particularly within R&D initiatives for on-board computing.
- Help share project outcomes and promote knowledge exchange throughout the agency.
- Support agency personnel in studies and activities involving the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF).
- Aid in establishing technology requirements and development plans for agency R&D programs, aligning with both immediate and future needs.
- Assist in monitoring and reporting on the progress of research and development initiatives, including participation in reviews and meetings.
- Support the maintenance and alignment of technical documentation, roadmaps, and coordination with European industry partners, labs, and national agencies, emphasizing innovation and advanced technologies.
- Assist in procurement processes for on-board data handling hardware such as on-board computers, solid-state memory units, instrument controllers, remote terminals, payload processors, data interfaces, and communication protocols including HSSL and CubeSat-specific systems.
- Promote the sharing of findings and knowledge gained from technical activities across the organization.
- Document lessons learned, key results, and insights from R&D and hands-on work in designated repositories and directories.
- Monitor emerging trends in science and technology to maintain up-to-date expertise in the field.
- Oversee the configuration, development, updates, and optimization of hardware and software components in laboratory environments.
- Support active projects through design implementation, prototyping, testing, evaluation, optimization, benchmarking, debugging, and validation using available facilities.
- Provide technical expertise in the implementation, testing, operation, and validation of system functionality and performance.
- Plan, define, and set up test campaigns for integration, functionality, and performance validation.
- Execute integration and functional testing of relevant hardware and software components within the lab setup.
- Record, analyze, and document test procedures, results, configurations, and any failure events.
- Coordinate facility scheduling based on priorities established by the Work Package Technical Responsible.
- Personnel must adhere to the European Space Agency's Quality Management System standards.
Benefits
- Competitive remuneration package
- 30 days of paid annual leave plus approximately 12 additional days when ESTEC is closed, under a 40-hour workweek
- Hybrid work model with 3 days on-site and 2 days remote in the Netherlands
- Flexible working hours with autonomy over personal schedule, respecting core operational hours
- Fully covered comprehensive health insurance through a collective plan
- Favorable pension plan without employee contributions
- Professional growth opportunities including Coursera access and dedicated training funds
- Travel cost allowance
- Comprehensive relocation support package
Compensation
A competitive salary with fully paid health insurance, pension benefits, travel allowance, and extensive relocation support
Work Arrangement
Hybrid — based at ESTEC, the European Space Agency’s facility in the Netherlands
Other
- Applicants must qualify for personal security clearance issued by an EU Member State national security authority.
- This position involves working at ESTEC, the European Space Agency’s site in the Netherlands, as a contractor employed by Telespazio Belgium.
- Full-time on-site presence is not required, but relocation to the Netherlands is mandatory for the role.
- Expected start date is October 1, 2026.
- Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
- Contractor personnel are required to comply with the ESA Quality Management System.
Not applicable; candidates must already be eligible for EU Member State security clearance
