Ground Segment and User Terminal Procurement Coordinator, Noordwijk-Binnen

Ground Segment and User Terminal Procurement Coordinator

Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications

Job Description As the Ground Segment and User Terminal Procurement Coordinator in D2D Projects within the LEO Satellites Programme Office, you will coordinate the end‑to‑end definition, development, integration, validation, and operational readiness of ground segment systems, including user terminals and software elements, to support commercial services for ESA D2D Partnership Projects such as ELEOSYS and SELYCE.

Duties

Lead engineering activities related to procurement, specification, design, development, qualification, acceptance, and validation of the ground segment elements within schedule, cost, and technical requirements, including applicable security requirements.

Lead engineering, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of the overall ground segment and manage ground segment reviews.

Oversee transfer of ground segment systems to operations, support commissioning, routine operation, and evolutive maintenance, including in‑orbit anomaly correction.

Ensure consistency of requirements with subsystem design, performance budgets, and architecture choices.

Ensure correct application of ESA, international, and national standards.

Interface with industry to review contractor plans, system specifications, baseline design, analyses, budgets, and implementation activities.

Interface with industry to review trade‑offs, design drivers, technical and performance indicators, and system interfaces.

Support ESA mission/system level reviews and contribute to subsystem and cross‑partner reviews.

Represent the discipline in reviews, milestones, and cross‑functional coordination meetings.

Coordinate and support other project team members and functions (Product Assurance and Safety, Mission, Platform, Payload).

Process non‑conformances, software problem reports, waivers, deviations, and anomalies, and support evaluation of change notices.

Contribute to the ESA procurement process (RFPs, technical evaluation boards, and negotiations).

Monitor the overall project schedule, identify risks and problem areas, and propose mitigation actions.

Identify challenges and opportunities of system evolutions and propose updates to mission architecture and interfaces.

Provide regular and ad‑hoc reporting to line management.

Contribute to project communication and promotion activities.

Technical Competencies

Several years of experience in satellite communications systems specification, design, development, verification, and end‑to‑end validation, preferably with satellite constellations.

Experience in ground network architecture and software for LEO telecommunication satellites.

Knowledge of ESA or large industrial procurement processes and contract negotiation.

Knowledge of complex project risk management, industrial costs, and schedule control.

Behavioural Competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education and Professional Experience A master’s degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline is required, with at least 4 years of relevant professional experience. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of experience may also be considered.

Additional Requirements

Experience working in a cross‑functional team and promoting innovation through creative collaboration.

Strong problem‑solving skills for day‑to‑day operational challenges, with demonstrated planning and organisational skills.

Ability to understand and clearly communicate complex technical issues to team members and external parties.

Direct experience with a commercial telecommunications prime contractor and/or operator is a distinct advantage; experience with ESA’s Partnership Projects is an asset.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness ESA is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Assistance is available for applicants with disabilities.

Important Information and Disclaimer Recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2‑A4). Candidates with less than four years of post‑master’s experience may be considered for the A1 level. Applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations. Successful candidates will undergo selection tests and basic background screening in compliance with ESA security procedures.

Nationality and Languages Applications are only considered from nationals of the listed ESA Member States and Canada. The working languages are English and French; knowledge of an additional Member State language is an asset.

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