Vega-C Launch System and Operations Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20847

Date Posted: 3 September 2026

Application Deadline: 24 September 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

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

Directorate: Space Transportation

Workplace: Frascati, IT

Grade Band ( learn more) : A2 - A4

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description
Vega-C Launch System and Operations Engineer in the Vega and Space Rider Launch System and Engineering Division, Flight Programmes Department, Directorate of Space Transportation.

Under the direct authority of the Vega and Space Rider Launch System and Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for the launcher-to-ground interfaces and launch campaign operations in line with the role and responsibilities assigned to the Vega and Space Rider Integrated Project Team. You will also support the technical coordination and implementation of common technical activities across the Vega and Space Rider Programmes, with particular responsibility for launch system operations, launch campaign engineering, operational validation and launcher-to-ground segment integration.

Duties
Your task and responsibilities will include:

• contributing to the harmonisation of launch campaign engineering approaches across Vega-C, Vega-E, and Space Rider programmes, supporting the definition, validation and continuous improvement of operational concepts and exploitation processes;
• following up industrial activities relating to launch campaign operations, launcher processing, integration activities, operational validation and associated developments aimed at improving system competitiveness, launch cadence and operational efficiency;
• supporting the preparation, execution and post-flight assessment of launch campaigns, contributing to the monitoring of technical issues, anomaly investigations, corrective actions and lessons learned;
• supporting the maintenance and qualification status of launch system operational products, ensuring consistency between launch system definition, operations engineering, launcher qualification status and operational documentation;
• supporting, under the coordination of the Technical Coordinator, the specification, development, validation and evolution of operational concepts for future launcher developments, including Vega-E and subsequent launcher evolutions;
• coordinating the preparation and maintenance of launcher-to-ground segment Interface requirements documents, interface control documents, operational procedures and related technical documentation;
• contributing to launcher system trade-offs relating to operational concepts, ground segment integration, launch campaign optimisation, industrialisation and exploitation readiness;
• supporting the monitoring of technical risks, operational constraints and interface issues affecting launch campaigns and exploitation activities, proposing mitigation actions and supporting their implementation;
• supporting the harmonisation and digitalisation of engineering and operational processes, including requirements management, configuration management, interface management, model-based engineering and operational data management activities.

Technical competencies
System engineering

Multidisciplinary knowledge of your area of responsibility

Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects

ESA space system development, verification and review processes and standards

Launch campaign operations

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

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

Education and professional experience
A master's degree in a relevant engineering field is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements
Direct experience in the development of Vega-related programmes, as well as in launch campaigns, will be considered 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.