System and Applications Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20744

Date Posted: 12 August 2026

Application Deadline: 2 September 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment : 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Operations

Workplace: Darmstadt, DE

Grade Band : A2 - A4

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Description
System and Applications Engineer in the Ground Segment Multi-Mission Operational Systems Section (OPS-GAM), System and Applications Engineering Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.

The Ground Segment Multi-Mission Operational Systems Section is responsible for:

• space mission monitoring and control (M&C) applications covering spacecraft commanding, telemetry processing and archiving. This covers both SCOS-2000/MICONYS based systems and Pulse/EGS-CC based systems;
• mission planning (MPS) covering planning and scheduling of operational activities;
• other related applications required for operations.

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• the development, evolution and maintenance of mission ground systems focusing on mission monitoring, control applications and related applications. This includes:
  • definition of the ground system and software requirements in cooperation with stakeholders, including mission-specific requirements for the ground segment systems;
  • design of multi-mission systems evolution;
  • definition and monitoring of the related industrial procurement and service contracts;
  • verification, validation and acceptance of industrial deliveries;
  • collection and implementation of lessons learned as appropriate;
  • management of system evolution and maintenance services;
  • application of appropriate configuration management to the deployed systems;
  • support of stakeholders as required during the different mission phases;
• system engineering of current- and future-generation mission systems, including mission Phase-A activities relating to mission systems;
• management and provision of the user support and maintenance services;
• undertaking technology development activities, experimentation in the laboratory, pre-development and in-orbit demonstration in related fields to bring about innovation in mission systems for the benefit of missions and projects;
• supporting standardisation activities.

You will initially take on the role of Technical Architect for Pulse. The specific tasks for this position will involve setting technical direction relating to Pulse, designing technical solutions, and acting as the technical authority for industry with a view to successful completion and adoption of the new mission control system. This also includes working with related systems such as mission preparation, mission planning and/or automation systems.

Technical competencies
Mission control systems such as Pulse and/or the associated tailoring data model

Very good understanding of the principles of the European Ground Systems Common Core (EGS-CC) framework

Ability to define and clearly communicate strategic technical decisions

Application of AI within software maintenance and engineering processes

Spacecraft operations and/or operational systems

Data processing and archiving technologies

Automation and mission planning systems

Data analytics

Security in software systems

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 and professional experience
A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 3 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.

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.

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, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.