Space Systems Engineer

Job Introduction

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies and New Space ventures who want to scale their businesses/organizations with skilled talent.

We’re looking for a Space Systems Engineer to join our on-site team at ESA ESTEC in Noordwijk (Netherlands)!

We look forward to meeting you!

Key Responsibilities

Systems Engineering Support:

• Provide space segment systems engineering support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and studies across all project phases.
• Contribute to requirements definition and management, including review of requirement flow-down from system to subsystem level.
• Assist in maintaining and updating requirements databases and verification control documents (VCDs).
• Support design evaluations, trade-off discussions, and consolidation of system drivers and performance budgets.

Design Reviews and Verification:

• Participate in project and system reviews, providing technical inputs and assessments.
• Contribute to verification activities at mission and ground segment level, supporting non-conformance, deviation and waiver management.
• Provide support to operations concept definition and system-level verification activities.
• Support launch preparation, in-flight commissioning, and verification activities with project and ground teams.

System Architecture and Interfaces:

• Assist in defining and maintaining space segment system interfaces with ground and payload segments.
• Ensure system consistency and compatibility across subsystems, payloads, and operations.
• Collaborate closely with ground segment, mission analysis, and operations teams for end-to-end performance assurance.

Key Responsibilities Extension

Cross-functional Collaboration and Innovation:

• Support Failure Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) definition and cross-functional discussions with operations and engineering teams.
• Contribute to Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) studies as systems engineering support.
• Participate in ESA’s technology and R&D activities related to model-based systems engineering (MBSE), sustainable engineering, and system optimisation.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to the Zero Debris Policy and sustainable mission design initiatives.
• Support the preparation of technical notes, activity reports, and lessons learned 

Skills

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in space systems engineering within ESA projects, space agencies or prime contractors.
• Proficient understanding of space system architecture, design and verification processes.
• Skilled in requirements management, traceability and configuration control.
• Experienced in system-level performance assessment and interface management.
• Familiar with space mission reviews and verification methods.
• Strong analytical, coordination and communication abilities.
• Capable of preparing detailed technical documentation and reports.

• Experience in trade-off analysis, system budgets, and mission-level verification.
• Understanding of ground-space interfaces and end-to-end mission design.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards, MBSE tools, and ESA project lifecycle processes.
• Experience in supporting system reviews and managing verification documentation (VCDs, ICDs, technical notes).

Other knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of FDIR concepts and system-level risk management.
• Familiarity with Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) working methods.
• Understanding of Zero Debris and sustainability frameworks within ESA.
• Experience in collaborative environments with multiple stakeholders and international partners.
• Knowledge of the ESA environment is an asset.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, is essential for technical discussions and documentation.
• Ability to communicate complex system concepts clearly and collaborate effectively within international and interdisciplinary teams.

Package Description

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.

On Offer

• Pension and health insurance plans
• Commuting and relocation support
• Training and career development
• Social and sports activities on site
• A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs