Secure Connectivity 5G NTN End-to-End System and Validation Lead Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates in various countries across Europe and collaborates with international partners to advance space science, technology, and applications.

Job Overview:
The Secure Connectivity 5G NTN End-to-End System and Validation Lead Engineer will play a crucial role in the System Architecture Section of the Secure Connectivity System Office within the Secure Connectivity Programme Department. This position is pivotal in supporting the development and validation of the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure, which aims to enhance communication services through advanced satellite technology. The engineer will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and validation of 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) within the IRIS2 system, ensuring that the end-to-end product encompasses the space segment, ground segment, and user terminal. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of system engineering tasks, particularly in the context of 5G implementation and the overall architecture of the Secure Connectivity system. The engineer will report directly to the Head of the Secure Connectivity System Architecture Section and will be expected to maintain a roadmap for the IRIS2 5G implementation, ensuring that all technical requirements are met and that the system operates efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Secure Connectivity 5G NTN End-to-End System and Validation Lead Engineer include:

• Following the implementation of 5G within the end-to-end system architecture, ensuring alignment with system behavior, operational concepts, and use cases.
• Establishing and maintaining the IRIS2 5G roadmap, detailing the incremental implementation of system capabilities through successive 3GPP releases.
• Ensuring technical end-to-end consistency of the satellite access network, focusing on resource management and 5G implementation.
• Deriving and maintaining traceability of the 5G system and segment requirements, including functional, performance, operational, service, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security requirements.
• Proposing corrective measures to address deviations from established mission requirements.
• Defining and maintaining end-to-end performance requirements, KPIs, and associated verification and validation strategies for 5G NTN services.
• Leading and coordinating end-to-end performance validation activities, including system-level simulations, testbeds, ground testing, and in-orbit validation campaigns.
• Monitoring system-level performance against defined budgets (capacity, latency, availability, reliability, QoS/QoE) and identifying deviations.
• Supporting the definition and execution of performance test plans and validation scenarios in collaboration with industrial partners and internal stakeholders. 1
• Ensuring traceability between performance requirements, system architecture design choices, and validation results. 1
• Following user terminal development to ensure correct end-to-end implementation of the 5G air interface. 1
• Liaising with various offices and industrial actors to ensure proper understanding and implementation of the 5G NTN. 1
• Supporting the preparation and participation of reviews related to Secure Connectivity at both system and segment levels. 1
• Engaging in all engineering and R&D activities related to system development and implementation. 1
• Monitoring schedules proactively, identifying risks and problem areas, and proposing mitigation actions. 1
• Providing regular reports to project management on all aspects of competence. 1
• Supporting technical interactions with national delegations and various European agencies. 1
• Taking on programmatic responsibilities as delegated from project management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline, along with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant experience may also be considered. The role requires a strong background in systems engineering, particularly in the context of telecommunications and satellite systems. Candidates should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of 5G NTN systems and the ability to manage complex projects effectively. Experience in working with commercial telecommunications companies or operators is desirable, as is experience in secure environments or projects. Candidates should also be able to handle pressure and conflict within project teams, demonstrating result-oriented behavior and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this position. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be considered if they have an additional four years of relevant professional experience. The educational background should include a strong foundation in systems engineering, telecommunications, or a related field, with an emphasis on practical applications in the aerospace or telecommunications sectors.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in the field of systems engineering, particularly in the design and implementation of 5G NTN systems. Candidates should have experience in managing large space programs or projects, ideally within the telecommunications satellite sector. Familiarity with the 3GPP standardization process and experience in both on-ground and in-orbit validation activities are essential. The ability to manage and monitor industrial activities, including technical negotiations and reviews, is also crucial for this role.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse workforce of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, which may be extended to an indefinite duration based on performance and organizational needs. The role is classified within the grade band A2-A4, with the possibility of being filled at the A1 level if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant experience. Applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to obtain security clearance from their national security administrations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace.