We are seeking a Secure Connectivity Performance Validation Engineer to join the System Validation Section within the Secure Connectivity Department. This role is crucial for supporting the development and validation of the EU Secure Connectivity infrastructure and services.

The Role

You will report to the Head of the Secure Connectivity System Validation Section and be responsible for ensuring the IRIS² system infrastructure meets performance requirements. Your daily tasks will include monitoring system performance, defining performance drivers, maintaining performance budgets, and overseeing system verification activities.

Responsibilities

• Support ESA’s role as Qualification and Validation Authority for the IRIS² system.
• Monitor system performance from design to implementation.
• Define and maintain system performance drivers and design trade-offs.
• Establish and manage system performance budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee industrial activities related to system verification and qualification.
• Define and implement the overall performance validation program.
• Manage the development of system performance simulation tools.
• Coordinate with relevant IPT members on qualification activities.
• Review design changes and assess their impact on system qualification.
• Report regularly to project management on qualification status and risks.
• Contribute to project schedule management and risk register maintenance.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline and 4 years of professional experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 4 years of experience.
• Experience in developing and qualifying large-scale distributed systems with security components.
• Knowledge of satellite communication systems and product assurance standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage challenging situations.
• Experience in public-private partnership projects is a plus.

Nice to Have

• Direct experience with commercial telecommunications companies.
• Public speaking experience and ability to conceptualize complex ideas.
• Experience in security-related projects.

What We Offer

• A 4-year appointment, extendable to indefinite.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment at ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

We encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please submit your application before the closing date of 16 April 2026.