Ground Segment Engineer

Help shape the future of satellite communications!
Are you an experienced satellite communications engineer with a strong interest in emerging technologies and the future of satcom?

SSC Space is looking for a Ground Segment Engineer to assess new satellite communication technologies and R&D proposals, support the selection of future activities, and follow their technical development with industry.

This is an opportunity to use your engineering expertise across a broad range of technologies and organisations, rather than focusing on a single product or system.

About the role
Ideas for new R&D activities are collected through an open process from industry. You will help assess these ideas, work with subject-matter experts and contribute to identifying and prioritising the most promising opportunities.

Once activities are launched, you will follow selected projects as the technical point of contact and supervisor. You will review technical documentation and deliverables, discuss progress and challenges with the industrial teams, participate in technical reviews and visit development partners to assess progress first-hand.
Projects are assigned according to your experience and technical expertise. Over time, you will have the opportunity to develop a recognised area of expertise and become a technical reference point within the organisation.

• A Master's Degree or equivalent in Engineering or a relevant field.
• At least 4 years of industry experience in satellite communications ground segment infrastructure, including products and technologies across Physical, Data Link, and Network layers.
• Expertise in satellite communication digitalisation, such as:
  • Software-Defined Radio (SDR)
  • Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
  • Containerisation
  • Virtualisation
  • Interoperability solutions
  • AI/ML
• Expertise in RF and optical communication systems and networking.
• Knowledge of communication protocols, including QoS, security, IP/networking and air-interface techniques.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to understand and discuss complex technical subjects.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international, multicultural environment.
• A solution-oriented and customer-focused mindset.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Additional is a plus:

• Knowledge/experience in the ground segment of optical satellite communications, including optical ground stations and networking solutions; familiarity of end-to-end optical systems is an advantage.
• Knowledge/experience in the ground segment of satellite communication systems for safety and security, including data link and networking solutions; knowledge of cyber/RF security and/or maritime/aviation satcom standards is an advantage.

We are looking for an experienced satcom engineer with a strong technical foundation and curiosity about emerging technologies with experience on the ground segment.

• Assess emerging satellite communication technologies and R&D ideas, with a focus on the ground segment.
• Contribute to the technical assessment and prioritisation of new activities.
• Evaluate industry proposals and technical development plans.
• Follow assigned R&D projects and assess progress against technical objectives.
• Review technical documentation, reports and deliverables.
• Participate in technical reviews and discussions with industry and other experts.
• Visit industrial partners to understand development progress and address technical issues.
• Identify technical opportunities, risks and challenges.
• Build expertise in a selected satcom technology domain and act as a subject-matter expert within the organisation.
• Contribute to the development of future satellite communication capabilities with a focus on the ground segment.

The actual technology and product development is performed by industry. Your role is to bring the engineering expertise and technical judgement needed to understand, challenge and follow that development.

Contract

• The selected candidate will receive good remuneration in line with ESA Job Class.
• Will be registered for both social security and tax in the Netherlands.
• The standard working hours are 40 per week. There are 12 public holidays and an additional 30 annual days holiday.
• Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are of course included.
• SSC Space Netherlands assist with relocation both with support and financially.
• SSC Space Netherlands contributes 15,4% of pensionable salary to a company pension scheme and employees can optionally make additional contributions.

To be considered for this Position
Prior to 2026-11-15, please apply via our Job Application form.
If not directly interested, feel free to share this Job Vacancy with your friends!

Outro
SSC Space is a leading global provider of advanced space services, with more than 50 years of experience. We help space organizations, research institutes, commercial and institutional actors from all over the world to get access to space.

With local presence on all continents and about 750 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications and satellite control services, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services and flight test services, as well as engineering, operations and consultancy services for space missions.

We help Earth benefit from space. Learn more at sscspace.com