System and Applications Engineer

System and Applications Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 19810

Date Posted: 7 October 2025

Closing Date: 28 October :59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Operations

Workplace:Darmstadt, DE

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Description

The position is for a System and Applications Engineer in the Ground Segment Architecture, Data and AI Section (OPS-GAA), of the System and Applications Engineering Division in the Ground System Engineering and Innovation Department of the Directorate of Operations.

The Ground Segment Architecture, Data and AI Section (OPS-GAA) is responsible for the management of systems and support activities required for ground segment software architecture, data architecture and artificial intelligence systems.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include the role of Ground System and Applications Engineer for several applications involving artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The Ground System and Applications Engineer role involves:

• contributing to the system-level and architectural design of the ground segment, ensuring alignment with the overall mission architecture and operational requirements;
• leading the engineering and evolution of pre-operational and operational systems and applications such as monitoring and control systems, mission planning systems, simulators, automation applications, as well as data management, distribution and processing systems, and the associated software infrastructure;
• leading the ground segment engineering assembly, integration and testing, and supporting the ground segment operational validation;
• supporting programme directorates in the tendering process and in the supervision of industrial contracts, ensuring deliverables meet the levels of compliance agreed in the industrial contracts through the evaluation of proposals, technical reviews, acceptance milestones and status progress meetings with industry;
• engaging with internal teams and external partners to ensure efficient project execution in the technical domain, in coordination and agreement with the project managers;
• participating actively in research and development, as well as standardisation, promoting innovative technologies and standards in the domain.

Additionally, you will be expected to:

• undertake general research, technology development activities, laboratory experimentation, pre-development and in-orbit demonstration on related fields to ensure that users benefit from innovation in ground segment architecture, data architecture and artificial intelligence;
• promote the adoption of innovative concepts, technologies and standards in ground segment architecture, data architecture and artificial intelligence with users culminating with the delivery of operational solutions to address pain points.

Technical competencies

Strong general knowledge of artificial intelligence techniques

An innovation-driven approach to coherent solution development

Experience in the operational deployment of AI- based solutions

Agile project management

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 relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Background or experience in space system ground segment architecture, and especially space mission operations processes, including associated tooling, technologies and standards, would be an additional benefit.

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

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.

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, 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.

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