Communication Systems & Technologies 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?

On behalf of ESA,  we are looking for a Communication Systems & Technologies Engineer to work at ESTEC’s premises in Noordwijk, Netherlands.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to provide support to the Agency projects and programs in the area of space system security engineering, with an emphasis on space segment, including system security design, definition and implementation of system security requirements, assessment of vulnerabilities applicable to space systems, recommendation of security mitigations and countermeasures.

About the client and location

The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. As ESA’s largest test centre, it is responsible for the majority of space technology and spacecraft development through varying phases of production.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Contribute to the definition, analysis and consolidation of space system security requirements.
• Contribute to the definition of security reference architecture for space systems.
• Support system reviews through projects’ lifecycle on security aspects.
• Analyse vulnerabilities, assess their impact and propose suitable security mitigations and countermeasures.
• Analyse evidence of fixes of vulnerabilities.
• Assess Requests for Waivers / Requests for Deviation on security aspects and provide recommendations regarding their acceptability.
• Organise security audits / vulnerability assessment / penetration testing activities on ESA projects and programs and analysing their results (including analysis of evidence of findings and corrections).
• Propose developments needed to enhance the security of space systems.
• Assist the ESA Technical Officer on Research and Development activities (in the area of security for space) during their lifecycle (writing the Statement of Work, assessing Industry proposals, supporting the implementation).
• Support Project / System Security Officer (PSSO) or Security Officer (SO).
• Support laboratory activities as required.
• Duties may also include supporting other activities within the field of required competences.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• Master or PhD degree or equivalent in Engineering (preferably in computer science / cyber security, or telecom, or aerospace), with a strong knowledge and experience in Security engineering.
• At least 4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Knowledge of space systems and ground segment architecture.
• Knowledge on space segment architecture and spacecraft avionics.
• Very good knowledge in security best practices.
• Basic knowledge on applied cryptography.
• Knowledge on Information Security Management Systems.
• Knowledge on CCSDS protocols and standards.
• 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.
• Eligibility for security clearance from an EU Member State national security administration.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Knowledge on RF security.

Why should you apply?

• 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.