Space Safety Functional and Validation Architect

Space Safety Functional and Validation Architect Job Requisition ID: 21196 Date Posted: 5 November 2026 Closing Date: 26 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication Method: Internal & External Type of Appointment (learn more): 4 years, extendable to indefinite Directorate: Operations Workplace: Noordwijk, NL Grade Band: A2 - A4 Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands Description The Space Safety Programme aims to establish European capabilities and services in the domains of Planetary Defence, Space Weather, and Active Debris Removal [ADR] and In-Orbit Servicing [IOS]. One of the ways it achieves this goal is by carrying out various space missions, some of which are handled by the Mission Implementation Division when in Phase B2/C/D/E. As part of the Space Weather domain, for example, ESA plans to implement a four-satellite constellation called “Aurora” for monitoring continuously and in real-time the auroral oval, as a key means of enhancing space weather nowcasting and forecasting capabilities in Europe. A first step consists of a single demonstrator satellite mission (“Aurora-D”). The ever-increasing number of satellites in orbit poses a significant risk to operational spacecraft and the sustainability of space activities. The ADRIOS (Active Debris Removal and In-Orbit Servicing) missions aim to develop and flight-prove capabilities for rendezvous, inspection, capture, life extension, relocation, de-orbiting and repair of satellites. The Mission Implementation team works very closely with the Mission Study team in the CleanSpace and Circular Economy Office in charge of Phase A/B1. Space Safety missions often involve companies that are relative newcomers to the space field with ambitions for the private market, which requires the ESA project teams to provide specific expertise and to follow a pragmatic approach. Your role will provide you with an opportunity to contribute to pioneering space technologies in-orbit, enabling future safe and sustainable orbital operations.Duties As Space Safety Functional and Validation Architect, you will be responsible, from Phase A to Phase E1, for the definition and validation of several complete Space Safety missions including GNC, AOCS and robotics in the loop when applicable. You may contribute in paralle to several missions at different development stages. You will fulfil a cross-cutting role within the Space Safety Mission Implementation Division, between projects and also between the Mission Implementation teams and the Mission Study teams from the CleanSpace and Circular Economy Office. You will report to the Project Manager(s) and you will work in close collaboration with the System Technical Lead(s) and, for certain cross-cutting tasks, to the Division Head directly. Your key responsibilities will include the following: Support Phase A/B1 studies and interface with the mission study lead(s) in the Mission Study team in order to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to the implementation phases: • reviewing design and interfaces at system and architecture/functional level; • ensuring that proper verification/validation logic and acceptance methods are proposed; • helping establish the industrial organisation, the cost at completion, and the project risks and schedule; • making ad hoc contributions to critical technology development activities to ensure smooth integration in later phases. For Phase B2/C/D/E, support the Project Manager(s) with the following: Technical execution • Define, maintain and coordinate the end-to-end AIT/AIV approach, logic and schedule led by industry, including integration flows, verification/validation approaches, environmental test campaigns and facilities; • Ensure the timely procurement of all space equipment, GSE and facilities; • Closely monitor the production of the space segment and ground segment; • Oversee spacecraft assembly and integration activities performed by industry at subsystem and system levels, including mechanical, electrical, and functional integration processes; • Ensure a proper spacecraft verification/validation campaign, including: functional and performance testing; environmental testing (vibration, acoustic, thermal-vacuum, EMC); system validation, including the end-to-end guidance, navigation and control (GNC) and robotics chain relevant to rendezvous and capture when applicable; possible verification/validation activities specific to the customer satellite when applicable; • Coordinate with the Operations Manager regarding flight operations procedures and satellite databases in relation to system-level tests; support operations planning and execution as needed; • Procure the launch service for ESA or support industry for the launch service selection when applicable; • Follow-up the preparation of the spacecraft for delivery to the launch site; • Participate in the launch campaign activities. Management • Support the Project Manager(s) for risks identification and mitigation, schedule control and cost control and propose recovery actions when needed; • Identify and prioritise the points for attention; report regularly to the Project Manager(s); • Apply pragmatic decision-making processes to balance ideal solutions with project constraints; • Support and coordinate with the mission Product Assurance manager to fulfil adequately the mission product assurance requirements; • Support anomaly resolution and non-conformance management, as well as change management; put in place early recovery actions when necessary; • Participate actively in reviews; • Provide guidelines to industry relevant to verification and validation activities; • Share experience and knowledge with industry in a constructive and result-oriented manner; • Capture and share the lessons-learned with other missions of the Division. Technical competencies More than 10 years of hands-on experience in spacecraft development, with significant involvement in verification and validationExperience in AIT/AIV and managing complex system validation campaignsExperience in managing spacecraft production and delivery within budget and scheduleExperience in the procurement of equipmentExperience in risk management of complex projectsGood knowledge of ECSS standards, verification/validation methodologies and product assurance processesBehavioural competencies Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebookEducation and professional experience A master's degree in engineering or a related field is required for this post, together with more than 10 years of relevant professional experience in spacecraft development, with significant involvement in verification and validation.Additional requirements Experience in the following would be an asset: • implementing small missions with significant schedule and price constraints • tailoring the ECSS • launch campaigns • coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams and working with large industrial consortiums • participating in reviews And strong background in the following would be an asset: • robotic systems validation • GNC and AOCS validation • software • in-flight operations You should also: • have an interest in working with companies that are relatively new to the space field; • be capable of working autonomously, taking initiatives and following hands-on approach; • show strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills; • be able to anticipate problems, show flexibility when seeking solutions and be capable of reaching pragmatic and timely decisions; • be result-oriented with the ability to set priorities. 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 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 »