Technology R&D Engineer (multiple positions)

This role is for a Technology R&D Engineer in the Technology Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, supporting the implementation and running of ESA technology R&D programmes.

ESA’s Technology Department manages R&D programmes within the Basic Activities (Discovery, Preparation and Technology Development Elements) and the optional General Support Technology Programme (GSTP).

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

Supporting the implementation of the R&D activities of the programmes

• Plan the execution of the R&D activities together with the relevant implementing engineering and procurement services, and in particular the technical authorities in the engineering divisions.
• Structure, monitor and supervise together with the technical authorities and system engineers the timely execution of R&D activities, in close coordination with controllers.
• Prepare and organise, together with the engineering and procurement services, and other R&D programmes the processes for R&D continuity (no gaps between R&D contracts).
• Support the definition, setup and running of larger R&D projects to develop technology products, according to user needs, by keeping a strong link to users and to application directorates.
• Organise and review the results of R&D activities and use these in discussions on technology harmonisation and developments of new work plans, and new R&D activities proposed by disciplinary specialists, to ensure consistency with needs and the overall programme orientation.
• Organise the evaluation and support the dissemination of results of R&D activities together with the communication services.
• Maintain awareness of the performance of technology when converted into products or used in projects and establish related lessons learned.

Supporting the running of the programmes

• Support the preparation of work and procurement plans for the technology programmes, and the preparation and implementation of dedicated programme initiatives such as those decided at the Ministerial Council 2025.
• Foster new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures.
• Provide support to the organisation and conducting calls for ideas via ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform.
• Propose and implement new processes for the procurement and execution of technology developments in response to the evolving needs of the space sector.
• Support the Quality Management System (QMS) coordinator, performing the associated QMS-related tasks.
• Support the ESA Technology R&D governance.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of technology programmes and the organisation of R&D activities
• Experience with the organisation and assessment of technology R&D activities, including technology trends
• Familiarity with the European industrial landscape
• Ability to manage and monitor industrial activities, such as interfaces with industry and reviews
• Experience in preparing procurements for technology development
• Knowledge in space systems engineering
• Competences with advanced reporting tools, dashboard generation and the use of AI for such application

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

A master's degree in engineering or another relevant discipline is required.

Additional requirements

In addition, you should have:

• a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience;
• a strong results-oriented mindset with good planning and organisational skills;
• the ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders;
• strong problem-solving skills to address day-to-day operational challenges;
• an innovative and creative approach to improving processes and ways of working;
• a commitment to continuous learning and professional development;
• a background in a broad range of space-relevant technologies, with an understanding of technology-to-product transition issues;
• solid analytical and reporting skills.

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 & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

Recruitment is in principle within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). If the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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.

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.