R&D Engineer for EU PNT Systems

Job Requisition ID: 20321

Date Posted: 18 February 2026

Application Deadline: 19 June 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment : 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Navigation

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band : A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
R&D Coordinator for EU PNT Systems in the GNSS Evolution Upstream R&D Implementation Office, Galileo and EGNOS Evolution Division, Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department, Directorate of Navigation.

The Galileo and EGNOS Evolution Division is responsible for defining, consolidating and implementing innovative technology and supporting research and development for the next generations of operational systems for the European Union (EU PNT satellite systems).

You will contribute directly to defining and shaping the future of European multi-layer satellite navigation operational systems, such as EU PNT with EGNOS, Galileo, and other infrastructures of the EU space programmes contributing to PNT, in particular aspects relating to systems and signals, with the definition and implementation of a comprehensive and impactful programme of research and development involving cutting-edge technologies and concepts, such as the evolution of the EU PNT system concept over multiple orbits of the EU Space Programme, new signals and frequency allocation for EU PNT, PRS technologies, advanced systems and architectures, and the protection of space assets and RFI monitoring,.

Duties
In the role of R&D Coordinator, your general tasks will include:

• coordinating the definition and implementation of multi-annual technology development plans in support of future ESA programmes;
• ensuring consistency with ESA’s technology management processes and contributing to internal and external coordination frameworks
• interfacing with stakeholders at all levels, supporting harmonisation efforts and strategic alignment across ESA, Member States, the European Union and industry;
• supporting ESA participation in joint working groups and inter-institutional coordination platforms;
• supporting technology readiness assessments and the integration of new developments into future system concepts;
• overseeing the tracking and reporting of technology implementation status using internal processes and tools;
• organising and contributing to regular implementation reviews and working groups;
• preparing formal reports, plans and recommendations for internal decision-making bodies and external stakeholders.

In this specific position, you will be responsible for:

• defining, managing and supporting R&D activities relating to system, signal and PRS aspects for EU PNT evolutions arranged under Horizon Europe upstream GNSS R&D programmes, including technical monitoring and reporting of GNSS evolutions, in coordination with:
  • the Galileo System and EGNOS Offices (system, space segment, ground segment, security);
  • the programmes and teams in the Directorate supporting the preparation of future European PNT infrastructures, in particular for EU LEO-PNT;
  • experts from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

• leading and coordinating technical activities for the evolution of the operational space systems of EU PNT, such as:
  • assessing candidate evolutions of EU PNT system concepts, apportionment of mission and system drivers among segments, such as the space, ground and user segments, and associated system engineering (phase 0/A/B1) and technology activities with industry;
  • participation in signal and spectrum evolutions for RNSS and other relevant systems, such as NTN, terrestrial PNT systems, new ITU allocations and support for associated filing activities;
  • supporting stakeholders, including internal stakeholders, the European Commission and relevant bodies of user communities from Member States, on mission- and system-level aspects, as well as providing support to the Commission in the context of international working groups and standardisation, for example.
• supporting the identification and definition of novel R&D activities for future EU PNT satellite systems, including:
  • surveys of the relevant state of the art and the formulation of technological evolution roadmaps for possible implementation;
  • the coordination of relevant technology R&D activities as implemented in other ESA programmes, in related activities at Commission level, and in third-party programmes, such as national programmes or programmes implemented by other international institutions.

Technical competencies
Experience with industrial procurement and development, verification processes and the conduct of reviews

Experience in implementing and driving R&D and/or industrial activities, as well as knowledge of ESA technology programmes

Several years of experience in space systems and technologies for one or more of: GNSS, PRS, governmental satellite systems, satcom systems, PNT signals and spectrum

Several years of experience with industrial procurement and development, and the conduct of reviews, in relation to operational space systems, in particular in early phases (0/A/B1)

Knowledge of the space-related industrial landscape and the ability to define technology development roadmaps identifying future trends in technology requirements

Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education
A master’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline 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
You must have good analytical, organisational and reporting skills, a proactive attitude to problem-solving, and an interest in innovative technologies. You should demonstrate responsible decision-making and be able to work and communicate effectively in a team setting.

The following will be considered assets:

• a well-developed system view and solid knowledge of technologies appropriate for hybrid PNT solutions;
• solid knowledge or experience of satcom signals and standards, for example NTN, as well as of satcom payload architecture and technologies;
• experience in international agencies and programmes.

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 Se e-mailadresse på jobbank.dk .

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.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

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 , the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.