E2E Space Systems Communications Engineer

Job Introduction

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of experts who have supported more than 50 missions for major agencies worldwide, including European Space Agency and NASA. At ECSAT in the United Kingdom, Serco contributes to some of Europe’s most forward-looking space programmes. ECSAT is ESA’s centre for telecommunications and integrated applications, where innovation and commercial space partnerships drive new services and technologies.

On behalf of ESA, we are currently looking for an E2E Space Systems Communications Engineer to join our team of experts and support the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, in Harwell, UK. With more than 55 years of experience in the space sector, Serco helps drive innovation and exploration in a truly international environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of end-to-end communication and navigation systems for space missions.
• Define and assess system architectures, from physical to application layer.
• Analyse communication and navigation system performance, including link and performance budgets, data flow and encryption needs.
• Contribute to system engineering tasks across all project phases, including design, verification and validation.
• Participate in mission studies and technical reviews.
• Prepare technical documents and reports and support procurement activities.
• Work on system integration and ensure consistency between space, ground, and user segments.
• Coordinate with the Space Segment and Ground Segment teams to ensure smooth integration.
• Define and manage system requirements, user interfaces, and service level agreements.
• Ensure system compliance with technical and performance indicators.
• Support the development and validation of the Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) system.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure interoperability and service quality.
• Support R&D activities related to future communication and navigation concepts.
• Contribute to ESA’s work on standards and specifications (ECSS, CCSDS).

Skills

• Master’s or PhD degree in Telecommunications or Electronic Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, preferably in communication or navigation system engineering for space missions.
• Strong knowledge of system engineering principles, including design, integration, verification, and validation.
• Experience with system-level analysis (link budgets, performance budgets, requirements).
• Previous work on space mission applications such as communications, navigation, exploration, or Earth observation.
• Good understanding of R&D processes and project life cycles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Eligible for security clearance and export control authorisation.
• Candidates must be UK nationals.

On Offer

• Flexible hybrid working
• 30 days of paid leave
• Pension scheme and life insurance
• Comprehensive sickness pay and health benefits
• Training and career development opportunities
• Social activities and an international work environment