System Simulation Engineer

Are you looking for a new opportunity to build a safer digital future? A job where you can contribute to strengthen cyber resilience across Europe?

Join us as System Engineer. This position will be based in Redu, Belgium, and will be part of the SCCoE team for the European Space Agency’s (ESA).

About the client and location

The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organisation committed to studying space and increasing global awareness on current space exploration and related scientific research.

ESA is responsible for outlining and implementing the current European space programme and ensuring its successful execution. Current programmes aim to develop new and existing satellite-based technologies, further our understanding of space whilst also using this information to study Earth and the current climate.

Tasks and Activities

The scope of work will include:

• Design, develop, and integrate Space System Simulations including interfaces to specialized external hardware and cyber-range technologies for realistic testing environments.
• Implement cyber‑attack scenarios over the Space System Simulation.
• Support the team on networking and application‑level tasks.
• Collaborate across teams and manage projects to align with strategic objectives, monitor execution, maintain timelines and quality standards.
• Provide operational support across environments, ensuring systems run smoothly from deployment to maintenance.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in system performance, operational efficiency, and service delivery.
• Operate and maintain classified systems in line with security standards.

Skills and Experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• University degree or equivalent experience in computer science, engineering, IT, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience working on complex space systems engineering projects, ideally with exposure to areas such as spacecraft and/or ground segment engineering, security architecture design, certification and accreditation processes, verification and validation activities, or cybersecurity across IT/OT systems (including threat, vulnerability, and risk analysis).
• Experience with space system simulation or emulation.
• Programming and/or scripting experience, ideally with languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB, Simulink or similar languages for simulation and automation.
• Good understanding of network infrastructures, with the ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex systems.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Eligibility for EU security clearance.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• The following skills and experience would be considered a plus:
• Knowledge of space communication and engineering standards and protocols, including CCSDS TM/TC, CCSDS SLE and SDLS protocols, ECSS standards, and CubeSat communication protocols.
• Familiarity with governance, norms, and standards in the field of security, including ISO 2700X, NIST CSF, and MITRE ATT&CK.

Why should you apply?

• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; personalized training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.
• We welcome applications from people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, all genders, LGBTQ+ individuals and ex-service personnel.