Systems Validation Engineer

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Posting Start Date: 13 Mar 2026

Location: Noordwijk, NL

Company: Serco Plc

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 this in mind, we are seeking a European-based System Validation Engineer who supports ESA’s role as Qualification and Validation Authority by leading and coordinating end‑to‑end system validation activities for complex space systems.

You would have the opportunity to define and execute the system validation and qualification approach across incremental development phases, managing qualification credits from segment‑level verification, and preparing the qualification programme of work to reach Initial and Full Operational Capability. The System Validation Engineer reviews and follows up industrial test plans, procedures, and campaigns, defines and uses system‑level testbeds and verification tools, independently assesses system performance through analysis and simulation, and supports in‑orbit validation activities. You would also ensure proper handling of deviations and non‑conformances, contributes to technical risk assessments, support major industrial reviews, and maintain system‑level verification evidence to demonstrate that the delivered system meets its end‑to‑end operational and performance objectives.

Your Mission

·         Provide end‑to‑end system validation engineering support, acting in support of the Qualification and Validation Authority role.
·         Plan, coordinate, and support the incremental qualification of the system, ensuring consistency across development and deployment phases.
·         Manage and consolidate qualification credits obtained from segment‑level verification activities and ensure their correct traceability at system level.
·         Prepare, maintain, and monitor the system qualification programme of work required to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and Full Operational Capability (FOC).
·         Define, plan, and follow up system‑level test campaigns, including validation of external interfaces such as governmental and security monitoring interfaces.
·         Define and support the development of system verification and validation tools and testbeds required to demonstrate full system qualification.
·         Review and assess test plans, test cases, and test procedures prepared by industrial partners for compliance with system validation objectives.
·         Prepare and maintain the validation roadmap towards in‑orbit validation, including success criteria and sequencing of activities.
·         Perform independent system simulations and performance analyses to support autonomous assessment of system behaviour and margins.
·         Independently witness industrial test campaigns to ensure objectivity and completeness of validation evidence.
·         Execute independent validation test campaigns, including in‑orbit tests where required, using available testbeds and flight experiments.
·         Review, track, and support resolution of non‑conformances, deviations, and anomalies, ensuring system qualification status is preserved.
·         Contribute to system‑level technical risk assessment, with particular focus on verification, validation, and qualification risks.
·         Support technical milestone reviews by assessing validation‑related deliverables and preparing review comments.
·         Contribute to and maintain key system validation artefacts, including System Verification Plans Requirements Verification Matrices, System Test Plans, Test Cases, and Procedures, System‑level qualification credit assessments and Proposed updates to verification control documentation
·         Review and assess Requests for Deviation and Waiver and propose technically sound paths forward.

What You'll Bring

·         Demonstrated experience in end‑to‑end system verification, validation, and qualification for complex, multi‑segment systems.
·         Proven ability to define, maintain, and execute system validation and qualification plans up to IOC and FOC.
·         Hands‑on experience producing and managing verification artefacts such as RVMs, verification plans, and qualification status reports.
·         Capability to plan, coordinate, and support system‑level and end‑to‑end test campaigns, including in‑orbit validation activities.
·         Ability to perform independent technical assessment through simulations, analysis, and correlation of validation results.
·         Practical experience managing non‑conformances, deviations, and waivers, including contributions to anomaly or review boards.
·         Proven support to technical milestone reviews, delivering clear validation‑focused assessments and review comments.
·         Familiarity with system testbeds, simulators, and verification tools, and their use for qualification evidence generation.
·         Strong risk‑driven validation mindset, identifying qualification gaps and residual risks impacting system acceptance.
·         Clear, structured, and traceable technical documentation and communication skills, enabling informed decision‑making at system level.

Technical
·         Work experience in the Space domain will be an asset
·         Need to be EU national and eligible to obtain EU Personal Security Clearance.

Personality
·         Effective management of self with track record of involvement in change in complex and demanding environments, interacting with individuals at all levels of the organisation 
·         Methodical and proactive, with initiative and capability to work autonomously
·         Problem-solving and creativity-oriented attitude
·         ⁠Excellent communication skills, including relationship development and stakeholder management;

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.

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.