Ground Station Engineer

Ground Station Engineer Job Requisition ID: 20861 Date Posted: 21 August 2026 Closing Date: 11 September 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication: Internal & External Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term Directorate: Operations Workplace: Darmstadt, DE Grade Band: A2 - A4 This is a fixed-term appointment with 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. Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany Description Ground Station Engineer in the Station Subsystems and Configuration Control Section (OPS-GSS), Ground Station Engineering Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations. You will be responsible for activities relating to modem and signal processing developments in the Deep Space Antenna 5 (DSA-5) project, with a focus on ESA’s new All DIgital Ground Station (ADIG) concept. Duties Support the DSA-5 project in the domain of backend system, modem and signal processing;Support DSA-5-related reviews during the design and acceptance phases;Participate in factory and site acceptance testing of DSA-5 antenna subsystems with a focus on signal processing and modems;Design, development and deployment of the ADIG system to DSA-5;Signal processing and modem design and development for current and future systems, such as ADIG, TTCP and Cortex;Project management for the development and deployment of innovative space communication systems in ground stations in support of future missions (seamless chain of innovation);Management of research and development activities, covering new innovations for ESA’s ground station missions;Specification of relevant equipment, drafting of statements of work and monitoring of industrial development and procurement contracts for ground station subsystems, including management of their deployment and integration into the ground stations;Simulation of radiofrequency (RF) and telecommunication system and subsystem performance;Definition and conduct of tests aimed at verifying performance and functionalities at industry premises, in ESA laboratories and in ESA ground stations. Technical competencies Ground station development Signal processing Modem design and development RF and communications engineering 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 And Professional Experience A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 10 years of relevant professional experience. Additional Requirements You are expected to have several years of experience in modem development and signal processing, preferably in the space domain. Experience in project management is an asset. Good knowledge of CCSDS and ECSS standards relevant to ground stations is a plus. You must be highly motivated, with the ability to define solutions and solve problems in an autonomous manner, while also communicating effectively within the project and the organisation. 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. 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, Cyprus, 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. Who we recruit » Recruitment Process » What we offer » Life at ESA » FAQ »