Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with a long-standing partnership with the European Space Agency, supporting critical programmes across engineering, research and technology development. At ESA ESTEC in Noordwijk, Serco delivers highly specialised technical expertise that underpins Europe’s present and future space capabilities. On behalf of our client, the European Space Agency, we are looking for a Radio Navigation Engineer to join the Navigation Systems Definition Section (TEC-SEN) at ESTEC. This on-site role supports ESA’s work in radio navigation systems, technologies and applications for terrestrial, space and deep-space domains.
The Community You’ll Step IntoYou will be part of ESA’s Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate, working in a team responsible for defining, developing and validating advanced radio navigation concepts and systems. The Navigation Systems Definition Section plays a central role in shaping ESA’s Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) strategy, supporting flagship programmes, exploratory research and future mission concepts.
You will collaborate closely with ESA engineers, scientists and industrial partners, contributing to activities that span system design, signal processing, receiver technologies, simulation, laboratory testing and field validation. The environment is highly technical, international and research-driven, with strong links to both operational programmes and long-term innovation.
The Difference You Will Make- As a Radio Navigation Engineer, you will contribute directly to the development and validation of radio navigation systems that support civil, governmental and scientific applications. Your work will help improve the accuracy, integrity, availability and resilience of navigation and geolocation services, supporting missions on Earth, in orbit and beyond.
- By combining analytical work, hands-on laboratory testing, simulations and system-level engineering, you will help translate advanced concepts into validated technologies that can be adopted by ESA programmes and European industry.
- In this role, you will contribute to studies, analyses and testing of radio navigation systems and augmentation systems such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, EGNOS and other regional or global solutions. Your work will include the development and evaluation of navigation algorithms and techniques, user, system and segment performance assessment and the use of software simulators, laboratory facilities and field measurements. You will support ESA projects through technical follow-up of industrial procurements and R&D activities.
- You will work on radio navigation equipment for space applications, covering the study, design, analysis and testing of navigation, positioning, ranging and monitoring technologies and receivers for space missions. These activities support scientific applications such as atmospheric sounding and ocean observation, as well as formation flying, rendezvous operations and attitude determination.
You will also contribute to radio navigation equipment and technologies for terrestrial applications, including high-accuracy and high-integrity use cases such as geodesy, civil aviation and maritime navigation. This includes the design and testing of terrestrial receivers and local augmentation systems.
A significant part of the role involves radio navigation signals and signal processing. You will study, design, analyse and test signal structures, modulations and data dissemination techniques, as well as algorithms for error correction, synchronisation, multipath mitigation, interference detection and mitigation, encryption, authentication and resilience. This work may include the development or procurement of dedicated tools and equipment.
You will support the definition, procurement, testing and operation of radio navigation laboratory equipment, making use of the existing radio navigation facilities available at ESTEC. You will participate in laboratory campaigns, simulations and field trials, validating designs through analysis, testing and experimental activities, sometimes in cooperation with third parties.
In addition, you will provide engineering support to ESA space projects and industrial developments, assist in the preparation of invitations to tender and contribute to the technical follow-up of contracts. You will prepare technical documentation, support demonstrations inside and outside ESTEC and contribute to internal R&D activities through design, prototyping, simulations and analysis.
What You Bring- You hold a Master’s degree in Engineering, preferably in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field. You bring strong technical expertise in the design and testing of radio navigation systems and equipment, with a solid understanding of satellite navigation systems, ranging and positioning techniques, RF systems, signal processing and digital navigation receivers.
- You have relevant experience with GNSS, EGNOS and/or Galileo systems and equipment and are familiar with radio navigation simulation and testing environments. You have proven experience in the implementation, maintenance and operation of complex simulation tools and test facilities for spacecraft, aircraft, maritime or land-mobile applications.
- You are comfortable working at user level with satellite navigation receivers and positioning and integrity algorithms and you are able to combine analytical thinking with hands-on laboratory and testing activities. Experience with commercial simulation software is an advantage.
- The role is subject to export control constraints. Candidates must be EU nationals and eligible to obtain an EU personal security clearance from the relevant national authority.
- Working with Serco at ESA ESTEC means joining a stable organisation with a strong and long-standing presence in the European space sector. You will be employed by Serco and assigned on-site at ESA, benefiting from a professional and collaborative working environment where technical excellence and knowledge sharing are valued.
- Serco supports long-term career development through regular performance reviews, structured career planning and access to a wide range of training opportunities. These include technical courses, conferences, workshops and online learning platforms, allowing you to continuously develop your skills in line with evolving technologies.
- You will be supported by local Serco management and benefit from open communication, regular engagement and access to internal opportunities across Serco’s European and global space activities. The employment package is competitive and aligned with the role and location, including pension arrangements, insurance coverage, annual salary review processes and generous leave entitlements in line with local regulations and ESA site practices.
- The Netherlands offers an excellent quality of life and a central location within Europe. Noordwijk and the surrounding region provide strong infrastructure, international connectivity and a vibrant international community.
- Serco provides relocation support for EU nationals relocating to the Netherlands, helping ensure a smooth transition so you can focus on your role at ESA ESTEC.