Lead End-to-End Performance Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 21070

Date Posted: 17 October 2026

Application Deadline: 7 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: Internal & External

Type of Appointment ( learn more) : 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Lead End-to-End Performance Engineer, reporting to SAGA Project Manager within the RNC Projects Department in the Directorate of Resiliance, Navigation and Connectivity.

The SAGA Project aims to develop and deploy an end-to-end space mission for Quantum Key Distribution. The project focuses on the development of critical QKD technologies by European industry up to preliminary service validation, which will become the EuroQCI 1st Generation component (space and related ground/user segment) and shall help to prepare for a EuroQCI operational system definition.

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• manage the overall end-to-end system performance of the SAGA mission in close co-operation with industry;
• lead the definition of all mission and system requirements, including external and internal (between segments) interface requirements, and allocating segment requirements;
• monitor the traceability of requirements from user/service, to mission, to system, to segment and down to equipment/payload level;
• manage performance models to estimate system-level performances of the SAGA mission (space, ground and user segments);
• monitor and maintain the system level and segment performance budgets in line with SAGA mission requirements and space segment design during all mission phases;
• monitor industrial development and verification activities to ensure proper verification including resolving non-conformances; supporting the assessment of deviations, waivers;
• moordinate with PA, Space Segment, Payload & User segment and Security leads during development, integration and testing activities for the resolution of activity deviations;
• provide regular reporting to project management on all aspects of competence, identifying risks and problem areas and proposing mitigation actions, where appropriate;
• contribute to the management of the schedule and propose schedule risk mitigation actions within the area of responsibility;
• monitor the industrial preparation for in-orbit spacecraft commissioning and service provision in collaboration with project teams and ground teams, as necessary;
• potentially assuming responsibility, delegated from the SAGA Project Manager, for programmatic aspects, and directly interacting with delegations and partners as required;
• lead a team of engineers and specialised engineering support from the ESA Technology, Engineering, Quality and Operations Directorates.

Technical competencies
Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of equipment, subsystem, satellite and overall mission requirments definiton, design and development

Experience with system level Assembly Integration & Test

Knowledge of ESA procurement processes

Understanding of industrial costs, schedule and project risk management processes

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 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
Relevant previous project experience and, in particular, technical competence in Optical and/or QKD technology is a distinctive asset

You should have the ability to adapt to new working methods and environments. You must be able to build efficient working relationships, communicate effectively and contribute to fostering positive attitudes to change and, thus, to the success of an innovative programme.

In addition, you should have:

• strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day challenges proactively and constructively;
• the ability to anticipate risks and identify the need for additional expert support in a timely manner;
• understanding of and experience in tailoring space standards;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.

An experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities is an asset.

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, 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.