Space Segment Product Engineer

Overview

In this role you will manage space segment technology and product development for satellite communications at ESA. You’ll work with cross‑functional teams to assess, plan, and steer activities from industry and ESA programs, shaping future satellite solutions. You will engage with partners to refine business cases, monitor progress, and forecast milestones, contributing to strategic initiatives and socioeconomic impact analysis. You will help translate space segment needs into actionable roadmaps within a collaborative, mission‑driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, monitor and control space segment product development activities in collaboration with ESA units and ARTES Programme Lines
• Oversee implementation of space segment product activities and manage progress reporting
• Review business cases and market assumptions for ESA and industry initiatives
• Conduct industry roadmap meetings on space segment products and contribute to workplan preparation
• Identify space segment product needs and innovation opportunities for future satellite services
• Support market intelligence monitoring and strategic initiatives
• Coordinate expert technical support from other ESA units to ensure effective activity initiation and management
• Provide regular progress reports with milestone forecasts and outcomes

Key requirements

• Master in Engineering or a related scientific field with 4 years of relevant experience, or Bachelor with 8 years of relevant experience
• Experience managing space segment technology and product development in collaboration with industry for commercial satellite communications
• Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes
• Understanding of satcom space segment system architectures, products, market and business case analysis
• Experience with satellite platform and payload architectures and sub-systems, preferably in telecom applications
• Strong negotiation and contract or subcontract management experience
• Experience with working with commercial operators and European industry within a European agency framework
• Understanding of satellite communications market dynamics and disruptive innovation strategies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Space segment technology and product development management
• Knowledge of ESA procurement and development processes
• Satcom system architectures, market and business case analysis

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