JOB DESCRIPTION

EuroQCI System Architect

Job Requisition ID: 19818

Date Posted: 3 October 2025

Closing Date: 24 October 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 – A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

EuroQCI System Architect in the EuroQCI Development section, in the Optical and Quantum Programme Office in the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

As EuroQCI System Architect, you will report to the Head of the EuroQCI Development Section. ESA has been entrusted by the European Commission to design the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). You will be responsible for defining and managing the EuroQCI system architecture in alignment with the European Commission, ensuring full traceability from user requirements to system and payload level.

Duties

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

defining and managing the EuroQCI system architecture vis a vis the European Commission;

supporting the Commission”s process for defining user/service requirements;

ensuring the traceability of requirements from the user/service to the mission, system and segment, and down to equipment/payload level;

managing the overall system architecture definition, trade-offs and design in close cooperation with industry;

managing the space, ground and user segment architecture definition, trade-offs and design in close cooperation with industry;

defining the operational concept of the service and system and of the space, ground and user segments;

managing performance models to estimate system-level performances of the system and of the space, ground and user segments;

monitoring and maintaining the system-level and segment budgets during the design, development and demonstration phases;

supporting coordination with the European Commission with respect to the system architecture;

managing the definition of the on-ground test plan and the in-orbit validation plan of all system-level and segment-level requirements;

providing system-level support during the development, assembly, integration and testing of all elements of the space, ground and user segments as part of the development phase;

managing the verification and validation of all system activities (including external interface validation) during the demonstration phase in cooperation with industrial partners;

evaluating the acceptability of the industrial activities related to all system-level aspects by participating in major technical reviews and preparing relevant inputs for the decision-making process;

identifying and tracing potential risks and proposing risk mitigation measures;

supporting the preparation and execution of EuroQCI-related procurement tasks (ESA and European Commission).

You will be working in a cross-functional team which comprises staff from across the Directorate’s departments and is supported by technical experts from within the matrix structure. You will also interface closely with the various project teams as well as with related industrial teams.

Technical competencies

Proven experience in defining mission/system and user/service requirements of complex satellite systems

Proven experience in defining, designing and analysing complex system architectures for satellite communications as well as experience in defining the related operations concept

Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects, space system development and product assurance standards

Complex project risk management processes

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

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 a relevant scientific discipline is required for this post.

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 [email protected].

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements