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Galileo G2B Satellite Payload Manager
European Space Agency (ESA)
Full-time
Close on 1 Apr 2026
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Posted 11 hours ago
Job Description

Galileo G2B Satellite Payload Manager

Job Requisition ID: 20382
Date Posted: 12 March 2026
Closing Date: 2 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External
Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite
Directorate: Navigation
Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

G2B Satellite Payload Manager in the Galileo G2B Space Segment Management Service, Space Segment Management Office, Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department, Directorate of Navigation.

You will be responsible for the supervision of the payload design, development, implementation and validation of one of the two sets of Galileo transition satellites, including its ground test campaign, in-orbit commissioning and in-orbit follow-up phases.

Duties

Your specific responsibilities and duties will include:

  • monitoring the industrial engineering activities relevant to navigation, including payload security, and SAR payload (sub-)system and equipment design, development, testing, verification, validation, qualification and acceptance to ensure it fulfils the ESA space segment requirements;
  • monitoring the flow-down of payload (sub-)system and equipment requirements;
  • contributing to the control and management of system satellite resource and payload performance budgets;
  • monitoring the industrial procurement activities, with the goal of ensuring compliance with technical and programmatic requirements as defined in the contract, associated with:
    • navigation payload, including payload security, (sub-)system and equipment procurement;
    • SAR payload (sub-)system and equipment procurement;
    • timing sub-system and equipment procurement;
  • supporting the G2B Satellite System Manager in the definition and execution of the satellite verification, qualification and acceptance programmes, including implementation/monitoring of AIT/AIV activities in the payload area;
  • supporting the G2B System Manager in the delivery of payload-related DIs as foreseen by industrial activities included in the statement of work;
  • leading the satellite payload-related NCR, NRB, ARB and RFD/W process in close cooperation with all other relevant disciplines;
  • supporting the G2B Satellite System Manager at the G2B satellite Verification Control Board and the Space Segment Control Board;
  • participating in Agency project reviews and lower-level reviews in the relevant field of competence;
  • coordinating the G2B Payload Team’s participation in industry-level reviews (sub-systems and units) in the relevant field of competence;
  • supporting the G2B System and Platform Teams’ activities in the relevant field of competence;
  • coordinating the Satellite Payload Engineering Team’s work and resource allocation to ensure timely execution of relevant activities in coordination with the G2B Satellite System Manager and the G2B Satellite Platform Manager;
  • leading and coordinating specialised engineering support provided by the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and the Directorate of Operations, in particular in the
    areas of:
    • navigation and SAR payload RF engineering;
    • navigation payload digital engineering and associated software development;
    • timing sub-system engineering;
    • payload security engineering;
  • proactive monitoring of the relevant schedules, identifying the risk and problem areas, and proposing mitigation actions;
  • regular and ad hoc reporting to the G2B Project Manager on all aspects of satellite development;
  • liaising with the Galileo G2B Satellite System and AIV, Platform and PA Managers during execution of all satellite activities;
  • liaising with the Head of the Galileo Space Segment Equipment Management Unit during execution of all satellite activities with respect to the clock units’ delivery;
  • managing the Payload Team’s performance (assessments, objectives and motivation).

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Extensive experience in payload engineering (navigation signal, digital payload, high power RF), as well as satellite operations
Extensive experience in managing/monitoring industrial work
Extensive experience in managing teams
Knowledge of verification and review processes and standards
Knowledge of procurement processes

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

A master’s degree in electrical engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

A minimum of 10 years’ experience in payload engineering is mandatory. A proven ability to work as part of a project team and to lead and cooperate with industry is desirable.


  • the potential to manage individuals or a team in a project setting;
  • the ability to organise individual and team activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
  • strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
  • the ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
  • strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
  • a strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
  • the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.

People management experience would be an asset, as would international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

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.

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