Job Description

ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20357

Date Posted: 9 March 2026

Closing Date: 30 March 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace:

Frascati, IT

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description

ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Engineer in the ERS-EO Programme (European Resilience from Space – Earth Observation Programme).

The overall objective of the ERS-EO Programme is both to prepare and accelerate the future implementation of EOGS (the EU Earth Observation Governmental Service) in close partnership with the EU and to bring together the initiatives regarding dual-use Earth observation surveillance systems pursued by the various ESA Member States.
The EOGS includes the EOGS-SM, a potential EU-owned constellation providing dedicated observation capacity to the EOGS.

The ERS-EO downstream activities comprise the definition and implementation of the EOGS‑SM ground segment framework, as well as the ground system architecture and associated functionality enabling interoperability across all ERS‑EO downstream components, including the amalgamated layer of national EO-related capabilities (FNOC) and the national Space Resilience Nodes (SRN).

You will report to the ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Manager in the Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department.

Duties

Your duties will include:

contributing to EOGS system level activities relevant to the ground segment and the broader ERS-EO downstream domain;
supporting the definition and implementation of the EOGS-SM ground segment framework, providing suitable technical expertise across mission planning, flight operations, data generation and management, and security operations coordination, with particular attention to compliance with security requirements;
contributing to the architectural definition and the implementation of the ground system functionality enabling interoperability across all ERS-EO downstream components, including the identification, definition and implementation of suitable interfaces as well as the effective pooling and sharing of mechanisms;
supporting the preparation and implementation of selected procurement actions relevant to the ERS-EO downstream domain, taking full responsibility for the technical elements and acting as Technical Officer where required;
ensuring the technical management and monitoring of the industrial activities under your responsibility in line with cost, schedule, quality and security requirements;
supporting the design, implementation, integration and validation of prototype and pre-operational services making use of EO data, AI/ML techniques and modelling environments relevant to resilience applications;
establishing and maintaining effective coordination across ESA, notably within the ERS-EO programme, with ESA internal services and with the ESA security office, as well as with relevant external stakeholders for all matters related to the ERS-EO downstream domain;
contributing to the ERS-EO reporting, providing clear and timely updates on status, progress, risks, criticalities and plans for the ERS-EO downstream activities;
supporting the ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Manager in the planning, implementation, monitoring and consolidation of all ERS-EO downstream engineering activities.

Technical competencies

Demonstrated expertise across the technical and operational domains of the ERS-EO downstream activities (i.e. mission planning, flight operations, data generation and management, security operations coordination, systems interoperability, and pooling and sharing)

Proven experience in the technical definition and implementation of ground segments across the full project lifecycle, in particular for Earth observation missions

Experience in ground segment operations, in particular for Earth observation missions

Knowledge of ICT architectures and solutions, including performance optimisation and security controls applied to EO operational services

Good knowledge of ESA and/or industrial implementation and procurement processes

Good knowledge of security processes and frameworks, together with familiarity with security certification

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 engineering subject is required for this post.

Additional requirements

A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required for this post, as well as a high level of motivation and dedication, with the ability to work effectively and with a good degree of autonomy and flexibility in an international and interdisciplinary team.
The ability to maintain an overall system view while managing day-to-day technical challenges would be considered an asset, as would previous experience in the development of dual-use systems, preferably in the Earth observation domain.

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, 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.