Vacatures in Dokkum

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Closing Date: 9 February 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

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.

Optoelectronics Engineer in the Optoelectronics Section, Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Optoelectronics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of optoelectronic device technologies and applications.

In particular, the Optoelectronics Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre‑optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies.

The Section is staffed with around 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and offers a unique opportunity to contribute on the challenges related to optoelectronic technologies needed for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.

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

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of optical communication systems for space and related technologies and testing techniques throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long‑ and short‑term needs;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting‑edge technologies and system architectures;
• laboratory activities, as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state‑of‑the‑art expertise;
• 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.

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position, i.e. Optical communication technologies (terminals, transmitters, receivers, optical links) for space applications

Experience with laboratory and field testing of relevant technical equipment and hands‑on hardware experience with optical communication for space applications

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Understanding of optical communication standards

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience in the coordination and preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation, etc.)

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

A master's in a relevant physical sciences or engineering discipline is required for this post. Preference will be given to applicants with a PhD.

• Solid experience in the design, definition, development and testing of free space optical communication systems.
• Knowledge of environmental testing of space hardware will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of working in projects with a formal security framework will be considered 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.

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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention , the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short‑listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under‑represented 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.