TT&C - Payload Data Transmission Subsystems 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?

Are you passionate about space communications and cutting-edge technology? ESA is looking for a talented engineer to shape the future of Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) and Payload Data Transmission (PDT) systems for our missions.

We are looking for a TT&C – Payload Data Transmission Subsystems Engineer to work at ESTEC’s premises in Noordwijk, Netherlands.

As part of the Payloads and Technology Service team, you’ll work at the forefront of RF and optical communication systems for space applications. You’ll contribute to the design, testing, and performance analysis of advanced payloads, antennas, and telemetry systems—playing a key role in ESA missions and tackling challenges like wave propagation, high-speed data transmission, and signal processing.

About the client and location

The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) based 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:

• Translating system-level mission requirements into subsystem, equipment, and antenna specifications.
• Applying advanced RF and digital communications techniques (modulation, synchronization, DSP, error control coding)
• Performing system-level analyses and simulations to assess performance and compliance.
• Participating in assembly, integration, testing, and laboratory performance verification.
• Developing and using simulation, modelling, and test tools; contribute to internal tool and database maintenance.
• Providing technical expertise and coordination across multidisciplinary project teams and laboratory services.

Skills and experience

• Master’s degree in Telecommunications or Electronics Engineering.
• At least 4 years of experience in TT&C and PDT subsystem design, development, and testing.
• Strong knowledge of RF architectures, digital signal processing, and space communication standards.
• A good background in communication system engineering applied to space is required.
• Experience and expertise with TT&C spaceflight hardware development and testing.
• Very good knowledge of end-to-end RF communication systems performance assessment and signal quality analysis,
• Very good knowledge of modern computer systems, simulation and modelling tools, programming languages.
• Knowledge of telecommunication standards is an asset.
• Knowledge on Authentication and Encryption schemes as applied to TT&C/PDT systems is an asset
• Familiarity with simulation tools, programming languages, and telecommunication standards.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Interested in relocating to Netherlands? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Jobs in Netherlands page with detailed relocation packages and benefits.

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 are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.