Flight Software & Validation Engineer [26100]

Job Description

Within the Flight Software Systems Section, support is provided to the Earth Observation projects (EOP) of the current and future ESA earth observation missions, e.g Sentinel1, Sentinel2, Sentinel3, EarthCare, MTG. Support is also provided to Science missions such as BepiColombo, Solar Orbiter, and JUICE.

This support includes monitoring and supporting the implementation, verification and validation of Flight Software.

You will be assigned to the Flight Software Systems Section of the Software Systems Division, contributing across multiple programmes and activities. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert technical support in the domain of real-time embedded software systems, including flight software and associated development, integration, and validation environments.
• Performing technical monitoring, assessment, management support, and oversight of industrial software development activities, including:
  • reviewing industrial deliverables;
  • assessing verification and validation evidence;
  • supporting acceptance processes;
  • contributing to proposal evaluations and project reviews;
  • participating in reviews and boards;
  • preparing Statements of Work;
  • defining user requirements;
  • coordinating suppliers;
  • monitoring progress and quality.
• Supporting Software Validation Facilities (SVFs) and Avionics Test Bench infrastructures, including their evolution, maintenance, and technical utilization.
• Contributing to technology and competence development activities, particularly in the areas of:
  • flight software architectures;
  • verification and validation approaches;
  • modern engineering methods and tools to improve software development and qualification processes.
• Providing technical support to R&D and exploratory activities related to future flight software technologies.
• Contributing to standardization and harmonization activities within the software systems domain, including ECSS, internal ESA guidelines, best practices, and lessons learned.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or PhD in Electronic Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in software development projects, with exposure to multiple phases of the software development lifecycle.
• Demonstrated experience with space software engineering standards, including their application and implementation (e.g. ECSS‑Q‑ST‑80, ECSS‑E‑ST‑40/70).
• Experience with operational or flight‑critical software is considered an asset.
• Strong background in software development, ideally using languages such as C/C++, Ada, Rust, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of spacecraft systems and experience with software for satellite platforms and/or payloads (e.g. avionics, instruments, C&DH systems).
• Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of another European language is an advantage.

Additional Information

This job is located in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

If you think you have what it takes for this job, please send your CV (in English) by applying to this job.

An exciting and dynamic international working environment awaits you!

Inclusive and committed employer, our company works every day to combat all forms of discrimination and promote a respectful working environment. That's why, committed to gender diversity and overall inclusivity, we encourage all applications and profiles. Last apply date: 20/06/2026!