ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Engineer

ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Engineer ESA - European Space Agency Frascati National A2/A4 - Grade band level Speaks English, French Application deadline: March 30, 2026 Closed Apply Summary by Impactpool The ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Engineer will contribute to the European Resilience from Space – Earth Observation Programme, focusing on the implementation of the EU Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS). This role involves defining and implementing the ground segment framework, ensuring interoperability across components, and managing technical elements of procurement actions. The engineer will also support the design and validation of services using Earth observation data and AI/ML techniques, while coordinating with various stakeholders. A master's degree and a minimum of five years of relevant experience are required. Candidate Requirements: Master's degree in relevant engineering Minimum five years of relevant experience Expertise in mission planning and flight operations Experience in ground segment operations for Earth observation Knowledge of ICT architectures and security controls Familiarity with ESA procurement processes Ability to work autonomously in an interdisciplinary team Good knowledge of English or French ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Engineer Job Requisition ID: 20357 Date Posted: 9 March 2026 Closing Date: 30 March 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication: Internal & External Type of Appointment : 4 years, extendable to indefinite Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes Workplace: Frascati, IT Grade Band : A2 - A4 Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy Description ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Engineer in the ERS-EO Programme (European Resilience from Space – Earth Observation Programme). The overall objective of the ERS-EO Programme is both to prepare and accelerate the future implementation of EOGS (the EU Earth Observation Governmental Service) in close partnership with the EU and to bring together the initiatives regarding dual-use Earth observation surveillance systems pursued by the various ESA Member States. The EOGS includes the EOGS-SM, a potential EU-owned constellation providing dedicated observation capacity to the EOGS. The ERS-EO downstream activities comprise the definition and implementation of the EOGS‑SM ground segment framework, as well as the ground system architecture and associated functionality enabling interoperability across all ERS‑EO downstream components, including the amalgamated layer of national EO-related capabilities (FNOC) and the national Space Resilience Nodes (SRN). You will report to the ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Manager in the Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department. Duties Your duties will include: contributing to EOGS system level activities relevant to the ground segment and the broader ERS-EO downstream domain; supporting the definition and implementation of the EOGS-SM ground segment framework, providing suitable technical expertise across mission planning, flight operations, data generation and management, and security operations coordination, with particular attention to compliance with security requirements; contributing to the architectural definition and the implementation of the ground system functionality enabling interoperability across all ERS-EO downstream components, including the identification, definition and implementation of suitable interfaces as well as the effective pooling and sharing of mechanisms; supporting the preparation and implementation of selected procurement actions relevant to the ERS-EO downstream domain, taking full responsibility for the technical elements and acting as Technical Officer where required; ensuring the technical management and monitoring of the industrial activities under your responsibility in line with cost, schedule, quality and security requirements; supporting the design, implementation, integration and validation of prototype and pre-operational services making use of EO data, AI/ML techniques and modelling environments relevant to resilience applications; establishing and maintaining effective coordination across ESA, notably within the ERS-EO programme, with ESA internal services and with the ESA security office, as well as with relevant external stakeholders for all matters related to the ERS-EO downstream domain; contributing to the ERS-EO reporting, providing clear and timely updates on status, progress, risks, criticalities and plans for the ERS-EO downstream activities; supporting the ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Manager in the planning, implementation, monitoring and consolidation of all ERS-EO downstream engineering activities. Technical competencies Demonstrated expertise across the technical and operational domains of the ERS-EO downstream activities (i.e. mission planning, flight operations, data generation and management, security operations coordination, systems interoperability, and pooling and sharing) Proven experience in the technical definition and implementation of ground segments across the full project lifecycle, in particular for Earth observation missions Experience in ground segment operations, in particular for Earth observation missions Knowledge of ICT architectures and solutions, including performance optimisation and security controls applied to EO operational services Good knowledge of ESA and/or industrial implementation and procurement processes Good knowledge of security processes and frameworks, together with familiarity with security certification 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 A master's degree in a relevant engineering subject is required for this post. Additional requirements A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required for this post, as well as a high level of motivat