Senior 5G/6G NTN System Engineer (SatCom)
Location: Harwell, United Kingdom
Application deadline: 24 July 2026
Reference number: 0399
We are looking for a Senior 5G/6G NTN System Engineer (SatCom) to join our team in support of ESA’s Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications. You will be part of the Telecommunications, Space and Ground Segment, Future Programmes, and New Concepts Engineering Support Service. The position is based on-site at ESCAT’s premises in Harwell, United Kingdom.
About the client and location
The European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Harwell, UK. With special focus on the link between space and telecommunications, ECSAT also hosts ESA’s Earth Observation Climate Office. It is from here that ESA’s Climate Change Initiative programme is executed.
Tasks and activities
- Supporting the definition, preparation, execution, and monitoring of ESA ARTES 5G/6G activities and programmes.
- Contributing to the development of future Programme Proposals (PPs) and strategic initiatives in the fields of 5G, 6G, NTN, Direct‑to‑Device (D2D), and satellite‑terrestrial network integration.
- Identifying, shaping, and promoting new opportunities for industrial participation and innovation within ESA’s newly created Commercialization (CIP) Directorate.
- Supporting the evolution of advanced NTN architectures and technologies, including 3GPP‑compliant solutions, network virtualization, cloud‑native infrastructures, and edge computing.
- Contributing to activities related to AI‑enabled communications, autonomous network management, intelligent orchestration, and future digital connectivity ecosystems.
- Engaging with industry, academia, standardization bodies, and institutional stakeholders to foster innovation and strengthen ESA’s role in shaping future communication systems.
- Supporting ESA’s contributions to relevant international standardization, pre‑standardization, and ecosystem‑building activities related to 5G, 6G, NTN, and AI‑enabled networks.
- Monitoring technology, market, and regulatory developments affecting future communication infrastructures and identifying opportunities for ESA programme growth and strategic positioning.
- Contributing to the establishment and operation of innovation initiatives, testbeds, hubs, and demonstration platforms supporting advanced connectivity technologies.
Skills and experience
- University degree (or equivalent qualification) in Telecommunications, Electronics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience in 5G/6G communications, Non‑Terrestrial Networks (NTN), satellite communications systems, wireless networking, or related digital connectivity technologies.
- Demonstrated knowledge of 3GPP standards, mobile network architectures, NTN integration, and emerging communication technologies.
- Familiarity with AI‑driven networking, network automation, intelligent orchestration, digital twins, or data‑driven communication systems.
- Experience working with industry, research organisations, or institutional stakeholders in telecommunications and space communications ecosystems.
- Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
- Solution‑oriented mindset, with a customer‑focused communication skill.
- Eligibility to obtain an EU security clearance is required.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
Why should you apply?
- You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
- We encourage everyone to think outside the box and push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward‑thinking organisation and develop a deeper understanding of the industry.
- To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
- Benefits include competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.
We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.
As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.
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