ESA
Ground Segment Product Engineer (2 posts)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Description
Fixed-term Appointment
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom
Description
Ground Segment Product Engineer in the Ground Segment Section, Technology and Products Division, Systems, Future Missions Department, Directorate of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity.
Duties
Reporting to the Head of the Ground Segment Section, you will be responsible for managing activities relating to telecommunications ground and user segment technology and products. Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- Initiating, monitoring, and controlling activities relating to ground and user segment product development for satellite communications.
- Managing the implementation of activities relating to ground and user segment products.
- Assessing the business cases and market assumptions of industry-initiated ground and user segment product development activities.
- Conducting industry roadmap meetings on ground and user segment products.
- Identifying and defining product needs and innovation opportunities in the ground and user segments of satellite communication systems.
- Supporting market intelligence studies and contributing to strategic initiatives relating to the ground and user segments of satellite communication systems.
- Supporting the promotion of the Directorate’s programmes and socioeconomic impact analysis.
- Coordinating expert technical support provided by other ESA organisational units as required to ensure effective initiation and management of activities.
Technical Competencies
- Experience in managing product development activities carried out by industry for satellite communication applications
- Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes
- Knowledge of satellite communication ground segment architecture, products, market and business case analysis
- Knowledge of digitalisation, virtualisation and ground segment networking in satellite communications
- Knowledge of user terminal technologies and products across various satellite communications markets and use cases
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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 domain is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.
Additional Requirements
- Experience in ground segment technology and equipment, subsystem design and development.
- Understanding of satellite communication market dynamics, business plans and market trends, as well as disruptive innovation strategies.
- Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications operator and European industry, as well as an in-depth understanding of operating within a European agency framework, would be a distinct advantage.
- You should also demonstrate strong negotiation skills and have contract or subcontract management experience.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Important Information and Disclaimer
- In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
- During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
- Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
- The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills