Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies and New Space ventures who want to scale their businesses/organizations with skilled talent.
We are seeking a
Space Program Support Engineer to work on our Customers Site (ESA-ESTEC) in the Netherlands. This is a fantastic opportunity to get into one of the most sought-after space agencies in the world.
The candidate will support the PRODEX Office (SCI-FE) in implementing the PRODEX Programme, which manages hardware and software developments, as well as scientific activities, for ESA and national programmes. This includes projects across Space Science, Earth Observation, and Microgravity, covering areas like flight instruments, ground support equipment and data analysis.
This temporary position is planned to last until 31/03/2026, with a maximum duration of 1.5 years from the TUD and an absolute end date no later than 31/12/2026.
Main Responsibilities
As
Space Program Support Engineer you will concentrate your activities on the following:
- Program Development Support:
- Contribute to defining and developing the program of work for PRODEX experiments in alignment with management instructions.
- Support the review of experiment proposals and preparation of procurement packages.
- Prepare, implement, and monitor research agreements between scientific institutes and the PRODEX Office, ensuring alignment with technical, financial and schedule requirements.
- Contract Management:
- Assist in preparing, implementing, and monitoring contracts with institutes, universities and industrial consortia.
- Provide inputs to Tender Documents, participate in proposal evaluations and support contract negotiations.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of contracted activities, including monitoring technical progress, schedules and budgets and addressing potential issues.
- Stakeholder Coordination:
- Act as a liaison between scientific institutes and industry during contract execution.
- Interface with ESA project teams, specialists and administration on technical, programmatic, financial and contractual matters.
- Meetings and Reviews:
- Organize and contribute to PRODEX meetings and project reviews.
- Provide inputs and participate in discussions to ensure project alignment and progress.
- Reporting and Documentation:
- Prepare reports on technical, financial and schedule progress for internal stakeholders and PRODEX Participating States delegations.
- Provide management and programmatic inputs as required by the Head of the PRODEX Office.
Profile
- Master’s degree in Engineering.
- At least 4 years of relevant work experience.
- Proven experience working with scientific institutions and industrial partners.
- Background in defining and designing instruments in scientific/space hardware development (Phases A to D is a plus).
- Demonstrated ability to manage technical, financial and scheduling aspects of projects.
- System-oriented thinking with the ability to integrate diverse inputs into comprehensive solutions.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proactive approach to problem-solving, anticipating challenges and proposing solutions.
- Flexibility to adapt to varying project and partner management styles.
- Familiarity with contract and financial management processes is advantageous.
- Willingness to assist with administrative tasks related to project implementation.
- Proficient in the English language, both written and spoken.
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.
On offer
- Flexible working policy (hybrid working)
- Comprehensive and competitive benefits plan
- A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs
- Casual dress code
- Bike Scheme
Relocation:
- The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.
- Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.
About Serco
Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA. We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security. We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation/remote sensing, launch providers and much more.
