Job Description

Technology R&D Engineer (multiple positions)

Job Requisition ID: 20328

Date Posted: 24 February 2026

Closing Date: 17 March 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Technology R&D Engineer in Technology Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Technology Department is responsible for managing the R&D programmes of the Basic Activities (Discovery, Preparation and Technology Development Elements) and the optional General Support Technology Programme (GSTP).

The Advanced Concepts and Studies Office provides support to ESA programmes, projects and carries out technological research (R&D) and system studies. It ensures the overall coordination, coherence and performance of programme and corporate studies in support to the preparation of the Agency’s future activities, in line with its long-term strategic objectives and priorities. In particular, it is responsible for managing the Discovery and Preparation activities within the Basic Activities, including the Advanced Concepts Team (ACT), ESA’s in-house research think-tank, in support of all the Agency’s programmes and, in particular, of the Director General.

The Technology Implementation Section is responsible for supporting the management of the Technology Development Element (TDE) and the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP). Its responsibilities also include establishing and updating the work plan for technology programmes, planning, supporting and monitoring the implementation of technology programmes, and evaluating and disseminating the results of technology activities.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

Supporting the implementation of the R&D activities of the programmes; this includes specifically:

plan the execution of the R&D activities together with the relevant implementing engineering and procurement services, and in particular the technical authorities in the engineering divisions;
structure, monitor and supervise together with the technical authorities and system engineers the timely execution of R&D activities, in close coordination with controllers;
prepare and organise, together with the engineering and procurement services, and other R&D programmes the processes for R&D continuity (no gaps between R&D contracts);
support the definition, setup and running of larger R&D projects to develop technology products, according to user needs, by keeping a strong link to users and to application directorates;
organise and review the results of R&D activities and use these in discussions on technology harmonisation and developments of new work plans, and new R&D activities proposed by disciplinary specialists, to ensure consistency with needs and the overall programme orientation;
organise the evaluation and support the dissemination of results of R&D activities together with the communication services; and
maintain awareness of the performance of technology when converted into products or used in projects and establish related lessons learned.

Supporting the running of the programmes which includes:

supporting the preparation of work and procurement plans for the technology programmes, the preparation and implementation of dedicated programme initiatives such as those decided at the Ministerial Council 2025;
fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
providing support to the organisation and conducting calls for ideas via ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform;
proposing and implementing new processes for the procurement and execution of technology developments in response to the evolving needs of the space sector;
supporting the Quality Management System (QMS) coordinator, performing the associated QMS-related tasks;
supporting the ESA Technology R&D governance.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of technology programmes and the organisation of R&D activities

Experience with the organisation and assessment of technology R&D activities, including technology trends

Familiarity with the European industrial landscape

Ability to manage and monitor industrial activities, such as interfaces with industry and reviews

Experience in preparing procurements for technology development

Knowledge in space systems engineering

Competences with advanced reporting tools, dashboard generation and the use of AI for such application.

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 engineering or another relevant discipline is required.

Additional requirements

In addition, you should have:

a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience;
a strong results-oriented mindset with good planning and organisational skills;
the ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders;
strong problem-solving skills to address day-to-day operational challenges;
an innovative and creative approach to improving processes and ways of working;
a commitment to continuous learning and professional development;
a background in a broad range of space-relevant technologies, with an understanding of technology-to-product transition issues;
solid analytical and reporting skills.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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, 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.