IT Administrator

Introduction

For more than half a century, Serco has walked alongside the pioneers of space. Serco has supported over 50 ESA missions where our teams have helped launch satellites, guide spacecraft across the void, and turn data into discoveries that reshape our world.
With thousands of specialists contributing across the entire space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to operations and surveillance, we’ve become a trusted force in national And European space strategies. And now, the next chapter could include you.

As part of our long-standing partnership with the European Space Agency, we’re seeking an IT Administrator to join us onsite at ESTEC, ESA’s technical heart in Noordwijk. This is the place where Europe’s missions are born, where engineers, scientists, and innovators gather to turn bold ideas into the spacecraft that will explore our planet, our solar system and beyond.

The Community You’ll Step Into
You will join SMITH+ (Science Management IT Hub), the group that builds and maintains the IT foundations supporting ESA’s scientific, laboratory and engineering teams. You will work closely with experts who rely on stable, secure and tailored IT environments to test spacecraft instruments, manage laboratory workflows and run specialised software used across ESA projects.
Your daily interactions will include engineers, instrument developers, data specialists and colleagues from the Science Laboratory team. It is a highly collaborative environment, where people depend on clear communication, practical solutions and reliable support. You will be part of an international community where every system, workstation and environment contributes to Europe’s scientific missions.

The Difference You Will Make
The systems you support directly influence how efficiently ESA’s scientific and engineering teams can work. When a laboratory setup is reliable, when virtual infrastructures run smoothly and when workstations and network environments are secure and stable, people can focus on building and testing the technologies that will fly on future missions.
Your work will strengthen Serco’s role as a trusted partner, because consistent and dependable IT support shows the client that we understand their needs and can deliver on them. By ensuring that systems are managed professionally and issues are resolved quickly, you help maintain continuity, reduce risk and support the success of ongoing and upcoming ESA projects.
This role is not only about maintaining systems. It is about creating an environment where innovation can happen without interruptions, where teams feel supported and where infrastructure grows in a sustainable and secure way.

Your Mission

In this role you will take care of the virtual and physical IT landscape that supports both office work and laboratory activities. You will maintain VMware virtual datacentres and manage vApps, resource allocation and configuration inside vCloud Director. You will handle network zones and traffic rules, making sure that data flows safely through protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, HTTPS, FTP and SSH.
You will look after Windows Server environments by keeping systems patched and stable, optimising performance and managing access rights. You will support workstations used for scientific and technical tasks, each with specific hardware setups and custom software that must run reliably. You will also support backend systems such as file services, SharePoint, backup routines, secure FTP infrastructure and applications built to support laboratory work.
You will work closely with the Science Laboratory team to design or adapt IT setups for instrument testing and electronics development, combining ESA’s corporate tools with bespoke solutions when required. Your days will alternate between configuration work, troubleshooting, planning improvements and helping colleagues understand or use the systems they rely on.

What You Bring

You bring a strong foundation in IT, whether through education in computer science or hands-on experience in system administration. You are comfortable working with Linux environments such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu, and you can configure, manage and troubleshoot systems through the command line. You understand Windows Server administration, Active Directory, access control and the principles behind stable, secure infrastructure.
You are someone who enjoys solving technical problems and can follow an issue across different layers of the stack until you understand the root cause. You can navigate different programming languages and codebases enough to identify where something is failing. You are familiar with DevOps practices, containerised environments like Docker and modern approaches to automation. You adapt well to specialised setups and are comfortable learning tools that are unique to laboratory environments.
You communicate clearly, work well with technical and non-technical colleagues and bring a steady, reliable attitude to a space where accuracy matters. Most importantly, you are open to learning. Even if you do not tick every single box, your curiosity, initiative and willingness to grow will make you a strong fit for this team. To work on site at ESA-ESTEC, you must also hold EU nationality.

What We Offer: More than just a job

At Serco, we believe that a career should come with more than just a paycheck, it should provide support, security, and a sense of balance in your life. Your salary will be paid promptly on Fridays before the 28th of each month, giving you peace of mind about your finances. To recognize your dedication over the year, you’ll also receive a Holiday Bonus, calculated as 8% of your basic gross salary, adding an extra boost when you need it most.
We support your daily life and commute in practical ways. If you travel to work, you can claim a travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometre for up to 150 km, or you can have your public transport fully reimbursed. For those working from home, there’s a small daily allowance of €2 to cover extra costs, and new employees can be reimbursed up to €500 for a desk or chair to make their home workspace comfortable.
When your work takes you on missions or travel, all business-related expenses are fully covered, and for peace of mind during tax season, our appointed advisor will assist you in completing your income tax forms. If you enjoy cycling, our bicycle scheme allows you to benefit from a tax-efficient allowance of up to €749, one year of full insurance with an additional €89 per year for accessories.
Serco also cares about your long-term security. All employees are covered under a collective life insurance scheme, and our health insurance partnership with Zilverenkruis Achmea offers discounts of 5% on basic coverage and up to 10% on additional plans. Our company pension scheme, managed via Nationale Nederlanden, follows the Dutch State Pension framework, ensuring you can plan confidently for the future.
In addition, in emergency situations, you may request an advance salary payment of up to one month’s net salary at the discretion of your line manager. To support your wellbeing and daily work, we offer up to €250 reimbursement for work glasses to reduce blue light strain and provide access to Benefits & Work, offering multiple discounts for online shopping. For lifelong learning, all employees receive a 35% discount on programs at Webster University.
At Serco, our benefits are designed to make your life easier, healthier, and more flexible, so you can focus on contributing to groundbreaking space missions while feeling supported every step of the way.

Relocation
The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.
Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.