IRIS2 Ground Segment IVVQ Engineer

Deadline to Apply

30/03/2026

About the Role

We are looking for a IRIS² Satcom Security & Accreditation Engineer to complete our consultants’ Workforce Management Service to support ESA’s Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications (CSC) at ESA’s premises, mainly ESTEC (Noordwijk, NL).
CSC supports innovation in satellite telecommunications and the development of advanced applications using space‑based systems. Through research, development, and industrial partnerships, CSC contributes to strengthening the European and Canadian satellite communications sectors.

CSC also supports major public–private initiatives focused on the development of new satellite systems, validation of innovative services, and deployment of secure telecommunications capabilities. A growing portion of CSC activities involves third‑party funded programmes, particularly within the Union Secure Connectivity Programme (IRIS²).

The CTAS will provide support to CSC with a multidisciplinary, onsite team of specialists who deliver technical, management, engineering, and security expertise across the IRIS² and EuroQCI programmes. The service supports CSC by reinforcing programme management, procurement, system design, verification, validation, security, and governance activities, enabling ESA to execute its entrusted responsibilities from the European Commission.

Through its work packages, CTAS personnel integrate directly into CSC project teams, ensuring day‑to‑day operational continuity, rigorous technical assessment, configuration and project control discipline, and support throughout all major ESA reviews and milestones. By deploying experts across spacecraft systems, ground segment development, telecommunications, quantum communications, security accreditation, and project governance, the service ensures CSC can efficiently manage complex, multi‑partner programmes and maintain compliance with ESA, EC, and security requirements, ultimately strengthening Europe’s secure connectivity and communications capabilities.

Employment & Security Clearance

Please note, the successful candidate will be employed by ATG Europe (or one of its subsidiaries). Furthermore, upon selection, they will be subject to a general security screening performed by an external provider (further information will be provided at the interview stage). Candidates must have or be eligible to obtain Personal Security Clearance (PSC) up to ESA SECRET / EU SECRET.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to:

• Provide ground system engineering support to the process definition, integration, verification, validation and qualification strategy of the ground segment;
• Support integration activities and test campaigns;
• Ensure acceptance milestones are planned, executed, and documented in compliance with project requirements;
• Plan, orchestrate and support the integration of complex multi component systems (hardware, software, and operational elements);
• Define integration strategies, identifying interfaces, managing dependencies, and resolving integration risks early;
• Define Verification & Validation plans, acceptance criteria, traceability to requirements and test strategies across system, subsystem, and component levels;
• Manage test execution, assess compliance, and structure evidence for regulatory or customer acceptance;
• Interpret standards/regulations, design qualification approaches and deliver documentation demonstrating system conformity. Engage with auditors, certification bodies, and external stakeholders;
• Support stakeholder management to coordinate engineering, operations, suppliers, and customers;
• Drive anomaly investigations, lead reviews and ensure issues are resolved in a structured, traceable manner.

ATG is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, handicap, or any other reason protected by relevant state or municipal legislation, we are pleased to consider all eligible candidates for employment.

Application Note

Please ensure that your CV clearly explains how you meet the mandatory requirements. If it doesn’t align completely with the essential criteria, it could result in rejection.

Mandatory Requirements

• Master’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Telecommunications, Electrical, Computer Science, Systems Engineering) or equivalent;
• At least 4 years of experience in IVVQ activities (integration, verification, validation, qualification) for ground systems or complex technical systems;
• Experience working in ground segment development, satellite communications, secure communication systems, or similar high complexity environments;
• Demonstrated experience with multi component system integration involving hardware, software, networks, and operational systems;
• Experience planning a