Harness Engineer

Job Requisition ID:  20738
Date Posted:  1 July 2026
Closing Date:  22 July 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication:  Internal & External
Type of Appointment Fixed-Term
Directorate:  Technology, Engineering and Quality
Workplace: 

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band A2 - A4

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years. 

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands 

Description

Harness Engineer in the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Harness Section, Power Systems, EMC and Space Environments Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Harness Section supports space projects in all application domains, i.e. science, Earth observation, human space flight and robotic exploration, navigation, telecommunications and space transportation. The Section is the focal point for electrical harness engineering.

The Section’s EMC laboratory features an anechoic chamber for conducted and radiated testing and facilities for magnetic cleanliness tests. In addition to laboratory testing, the Section performs analytical and numerical analysis. Moreover, it is responsible for research and development (R&D) activities on EMC and harness engineering for space applications.

Duties

You will report to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

  • Providing expert harness engineering support to ESA projects throughout all phases of their development cycle, including:
    • definition and analysis of requirements at system level as well as at harness and equipment interface level;
    • performance of design and acceptance reviews and assessments;
    • active participation in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
    • identification of critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
    • review and assessment of harness manufacturing and verification plans, procedures and reports;
    • support for laboratory activities as required;
    • assessment of test and analysis results, non-conformances, and request for waivers and deviations;
    • support for troubleshooting activities for space equipment and systems;
  • Planning, definition, initiation and management of R&D activities for design, testing and modelling techniques under ESA’s research and technology programmes;
  • Fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
  • Monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
  • Supporting standardisation activities at ECSS and ESCC level in the harness domain;
  • Contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.


Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in harness and electrical engineering
Hands-on experience with design, manufacturing, assembly, integration and verification/testing of electrical harness elements and assemblies
Understanding of harness-related technologies, components, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
Project support experience in the harness domain, throughout all project phases
Knowledge of harness standards and related aerospace engineering standards, including relevant ECSS and IPC standards
Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews and procurement activities
Experience with application of relevant methods and CAE and CAD software tools

Behavioural competencies

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


For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in Electrical Engineering (or other relevant engineering domain) is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

  • In-depth knowledge and experience in the field of harness engineering are required for this post, in particular electrical design aspects relevant to space harness assemblies, including derating, voltage drop and reliable insulation and their implementation and verification at hardware level.
  • A strong background in the electrical testing of harness components and assemblies would be an asset.
  • Experience with data bus technologies (e.g. SpaceWire, MIL-Bus (MIL-STD-1553), CAN-Bus, SpaceFibre and Ethernet) and related harness implementation would be an asset.
  • Expertise with electrical circuit or electromagnetic simulation would be an asset.
  • Experience of working on ESA space projects and in large, international teams would be an asset.
  • Ability to work in a team as well as independently, in addition to good communication skills.

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

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.

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.  


At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.