System Security Engineer (2 Posts)

Job Requisition ID:  20724
Date Posted:  16 July 2026
Closing Date:  16 August 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication:  Internal & External
Type of Appointment 4 years, extendable to indefinite
Directorate:  Technology, Engineering and Quality
Workplace: 

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

This vacancy is published to recruit for either: an appointment of 4 years, extendable to an indefinite duration; or a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years that depending on performance and organisational needs, may be extended up to a maximum total duration of 8 years.

Description

System Security Engineer in the System Security Section (TEC-SES), End-to-End Systems Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The System Security Section is responsible for the end-to-end system security engineering of the Agency’s missions, projects and activities relating to the space, ground and user segments and communication links, at system, subsystem, element and equipment level. It covers the missions from the study phase to the definition of requirements, design, development, security integration and verification, and security service preparation, across the full stack, from the physical to the application layer.  

To serve these functions, the System Security Section defines and executes the associated technology research and development (R&D) and studies, as well as the required security engineering standards. 

Using security laboratory facilities, the System Security Section performs vulnerability assessments at all levels of its responsibility, proposing detection methods and mitigation and protection measures using security assessment tools and equipment.

The System Security Section provides functional support to ESA missions and projects in the area of end-to-end system security engineering and cyber security.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

  • participating in programme reviews, assessing the security design, development, implementation, qualification and validation of space systems at system level, including the ground, space and user segments and communication links, to ensure compliance with
  • programme security requirements and relevant standards;
  • supporting the development and maintenance of various technical documents, such as the security management plan, the end-to-end space system security architecture, the security design and corresponding security requirements;
  • contributing to the security risk assessment of programmes at system level under the coordination of the ESA Security Office (security assurance function);
  • analysing and assessing security-related requests for deviations and waivers for space systems and recommending a way forward;
  • assessing the proposed implementations and space technologies from a security perspective, identifying potential vulnerabilities, analysing their exploitability and their impact, and proposing the appropriate mitigations and required countermeasures;
  • coordinating the security risk, the vulnerability assessment and the threat analysis with the ESA Security Office in order to follow up the related design and development implementation;
  • following the implementation of mitigation actions, either internally or with industry/partners;
  • supporting the projects and the ESA Security Office (security assurance function) in the preparation of the security accreditation/certification data package as needed;
  • following system integration, testing, verification and validation, assessing compliance with the security requirements and proposing treatment plans;
  • fostering new security application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge security technologies and system architectures in the field of space security engineering;
  • as a technical officer, proposing and following R&D activities in the area of security for space systems and missions;
  • participating in the follow-up of the procurement and implementation of industrial contracts, technology development, laboratory tools, equipment, etc.;
  • supporting laboratory activities relating to security engineering and assessment as required;
  • continuously following technological trends and evolutions in the scientific fields relevant to this position.

Technical competencies

Good knowledge of space system engineering
Good knowledge of security threats against space missions and corresponding mitigations
Knowledge of modern applied cryptography
Good knowledge of security standards, hardening guidelines and security best practices
Knowledge of space security standards, especially ECSS and CCSDS

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 Electronics, Telecommunications, Aerospace, Computer Science or Cyber Security engineering discipline is required for this post together with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

Knowledge of radiofrequency security is an asset.

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.