• Function title: Software Engineer
• Reference: NOC-MA-2025-FGIV/872
• Location: Maastricht
• The selected candidate must reside either at this location or within a reasonable proximity that allows for the satisfactory execution of their duties – Information about living in Maastricht
• Nature of the competition: Internal and external competition
• Applicable regulations: Conditions of Employment of Contract Staff at EUROCONTROL assigned at the Maastricht Centre
• Function group: Function group IV
• Job level: 16-18 – Check salary simulations for the basic grade
• Generic post: Project Manager/Specialist
• Number of posts: 2
• Duration of engagement: 3 Year(s) – extension or conversion of the contract is possible – see “Useful information” section
• Security clearance: Security vetting may be required in accordance with the relevant EUROCONTROL security provisions
• Directorate/Service: MUAC/ACT/TS/FDP – Flight Data Processing
• Working arrangement: Hybrid work (A blend of onsite and remote work). Please note that EUROCONTROL does not offer full-time remote working arrangements.
• Competition publication date: 16/01/2024
• Competition closing date: 13/02/2024 (23:59 Brussels time)
• Reserve list: Applicable – See details in the “Useful information” section

Your team

Within the The Directorate Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, The “Technical Systems” service is responsible for the maintenance, development and improvement of software products which support MUAC in achieving its safety and capacity targets and sustain the growing air traffic demand. It provides also resources to various projects in its area of expertise and maintains technical hardware.

We’re seeking a skilled Software Engineer to join our Flight Data Processing Team. In this role, you will be supporting the Flight Data Processing System (FDPS) maintenance and evolution activities (implementing software, documentation changes, software level testing and troubleshooting, develop FDP software modules).

FDPS is a specialized system used in Air Traffic Control (ATC) to process, manage, and distribute data related to flights. It handles critical data such as flight plans, radar data, and aircraft status updates, providing real-time information for controllers, pilots, and related systems to ensure efficient and safe airspace management.

Your role

Your role will be to:

• Analyse requirements in close collaboration with users, evaluate, identify and design innovative software solutions to satisfy business needs.
• Validate and implement autonomously software changes and bug fixes including demonstration, documentation and unit testing.
• Analyse the technical and operational problem reports, determine the diagnostics and propose solutions.
• Support the Team Leader in enforcing strong coding standards through code reviews, and high-quality software development methodology within the team.
• Coordinate project related activities on behalf of the Team leader; act as point of contact (POC) for assigned projects, monitor the related activities (requirements, deliverables, deadlines, …) and function as primary point of contact for the project management team.
• Produce software lifecycle documents and contribute to safety and security assessments.
• Propose and implement software changes that aim at improving the product performance, stability and maintainability.
• Anticipate on business issues; find creative solutions and effective strategies for implementation.
• Train and coach junior members of the software development team.
• Interact with suppliers, task supplier staff allocated to MUAC, draft requirements for outsourced software development and negotiate technical solutions.
• Carry out any other task in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required qualifications, experience & competencies

• Completed university studies of at least 4 years in a relevant domain (e.g., IT, Computer Sciences, Business Intelligence).
• In addition to the above, minimum 4 years of relevant working experience.
• Experience with modern software development (DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, Software architecture patterns, Object Oriented design).
• Experience in programming in real-time target platforms, using at least one of the main primary languages such as C/C++, Java, etc.
• Experience with Linux OS and scripting languages (e.g., Ksh, Perl, Python).
• Experience with middleware and communication protocols.
• The following would be an advantage:
  • Understanding or experience Aviation and/or Air Traffic Management systems
  • Knowledge of ADA programming
  • Knowledge of agile tools and methodology (Jira, Kanban/Scrum)
• English drafting skills (technical documentation)
• Analytical thinking : You apply methodical approach to complex information.
• Problem solving : You solve complex problems and provide effective solutions.
• Creativity and innovation : You apply new approaches.
• Communication : You adapt communication to different situations and audiences.
• Team work : You foster teamwork.
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.
• Professional conduct in line with the corporate behaviours of the Agency, i.e. result-driven, readiness to change, customer focus, integrity and team-player approach.
• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. For this particular job, candidates must be proficient users of English at level C1/C2.The levels relate to the European-framework-reference Common European Framework of References for languages (CEFR).

Useful information

• Applications will be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States only.
• Before receiving an official offer, the selected candidate will be required to provide certified copies of the degree(s) that meet the qualifications specified in the Notice of Competition for this position.
• The selected candidate will be offered a contract for a duration of five (5) years in accordance with the provisions of the Conditions of Employment of Contract Staff at EUROCONTROL. This contract may be renewed for a total duration of up to nine (9) years, or it may be converted into an undetermined contract.
• For new recruited Contract staff, the employment can be terminated earlier by both parts at the end of the period of notice that will be specified in the contract. The period of notice shall not be less than one month per year of service, subject to a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months.
• The selected candidate must successfully complete a probationary period of nine (9) months before being established in the post.
• The successful candidate shall be engaged in principle at the basic grade of the advertised grades.
• Candidates declared suitable who are not selected for the post will be placed on a reserve list for similar roles. The reserve list will be valid for one year from the closing date of applications.
• Information on salary and benefits can be found on our Careers site
• EUROCONTROL is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality and diversity. In the event of equal merit, preference may be given to the applicant from the under-represented diversity characteristics in order to complement diversity of teams and rebalance the workforce.
• Candidates should go to our Careers site and read the tips on how to apply.