Copernicus CRISTAL and Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography Lead System Engineer

Copernicus CRISTAL and Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography Lead System Engineer Job Requisition ID: 20897 Date Posted: 18 September 2026 Closing Date: 9 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication: Internal & External Type of Appointment (learn more): Fixed-Term Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes Workplace: Noordwijk, NL Grade Band (learn more): A2 - A4 ?This is afixed-term appointmentwith an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.LocationESTEC, Noordwijk, NetherlandsDescriptionLead System Engineer for the Copernicus CRISTAL and Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography (S3 NGT) altimetry missions in the Copernicus Space Segment Programme within the Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.The assignment covers the activities relating to Phases D/E1 of the CRISTAL satellites and Phases B2/C/D/E1 of the Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography satellites.You will report to the relevant System Managers for all technical matters and will work within the relevant project teams.You will contribute to the establishment and maintenance of the system and space segment requirements derived from the mission requirements, ensuring their traceability and monitoring their implementation and compliance verification.You will support the definition, preparation and execution of operations during all phases, up to and including in-orbit commissioning (end of Phase E1).In coordination with the System Managers, you will interface with the Flight Operations Segment and the Copernicus Ground Segment to ensure proper coordination regarding operations and ground segment matters.You will collaborate within the project teams and will benefit from specialist technical support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC).DutiesYour main tasks and responsibilities will be adapted to each project and will include:contributing to the establishment, consolidation and maintenance of the system and space segment requirements derived from the mission requirements, ensuring their traceability and monitoring their implementation and compliance verification;contributing to the definition and implementation of the mission operations concept to be used in support of the space segment design and in-orbit commissioning;supporting to system definition (system architecture and interfaces) and the associated mission analysis, ensuring compliance with space segment system and operations interface requirements;coordinating the overall verification planning, compliance, consistency and traceability between mission requirements and space segment system requirements by coordinating any potential support from the rest of the project teams or from other departments/directorates;supporting the System Manager in interfacing with the satellite prime contractor to follow the operations preparation activities, including LEOP and commissioning, as well as the functional validation activities;supporting the System Manager and the Payload Manager in the preparation of the Phase E1 commissioning and cal/val plan and the implementation of the Phase E1 commissioning and cal/val activities;interfacing with the Flight Operations Segment and Copernicus Ground Segment teams, external institutional partners, such as EUMETSAT and NASA, and other partners, for example calibration/validation teams, to coordinate the definition and implementation of the on-ground system validation test and the Phase E1 in-flight commissioning verification activities;interfacing with the Mission Scientists for the maintenance and evolution of mission requirements;supporting the System Managers in reporting the system-related aspects of the mission to the Mission Advisory Groups;supporting the preparation and organisation of major project reviews;contributing to the management of the overall schedule, including identification and follow-up of schedule risk mitigation actions;contributing to the project reporting and risk management activities, providing regular reporting to the System Managers on all relevant aspects, identifying and anticipating technical risks and problem areas and proposing and monitoring mitigation measures;acting as Deputy System Manager as required, taking responsibility for relevant technical and programmatic tasks and acting on the System Manager’s behalf vis-a-vis industry, the Ground and Flight Operations Segment and external partners;coordinating specialist engineering support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.The tasks and activities assigned may vary between CRISTAL and Sentinel-3 NGT, depending on the phase and the organisation of the project team.Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.Technical competenciesExperience in mission and spacecraft systems in a multi-institutional environmentKnowledge of all phases of the space system development lifecycle, including satellite systems, ground segment architecture and launch segmentExperience in flight operations and/or ground segment and Phase E1 operations, including LEOP, in-orbit commissioning and in-flight performance verificationExperience in requirements engineering and analytical verification, as well as technical budget definition and maintenanceExperience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviewsBehavioural competenciesResult OrientationOperational EfficiencyFostering CooperationRelationship ManagementContinuous ImprovementForward ThinkingFor more information, please refer toESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebookEducation and professional experienceA master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post, together with four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four years of relevant professional experience, may be considered.Additional requirementsStrong 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.Diversity, Equity and InclusivenessESA 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 atcontact.human.resources@esa.int.Important Information and DisclaimerIn 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.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 tr