About this role
X D2D 5G/6G Network Lead Mission Engineer Job Requisition ID: 20828 Date Posted: 7 September 2026 Closing Date: 28 September 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication: Internal & External Type of Appointment : Fixed-Term Directorate: Commercialisation and Industry Partnership Workplace: Noordwijk, NL 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. Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands Description D2D 5G/6G Network Lead Mission Engineer in the D2D Project within the Communication Constellations and NG 5G6G NTN Partnerships Division in the Commercial Partnerships Department within the Directorate of Commercialisation and Industry Partnerships. Reporting to the D2D Mission Manager, you will be responsible for all 5G/6G network development and procurement aspects for the Direct-to-Device (D2D) Partnership Projects (ELEOSYS and SELYCE) under the same Department. You will be the focal point and day-to-day interface with the satellite operators and industrial prime contractors, and, under the leadership and authority of management, will be responsible for decision-making on behalf of the ESA Partnership Projects and for the design, development, qualification, on-ground verification and in-orbit validation of 5G/6G network elements, ensuring overall consistency with the mission requirements and end-to-end performances within schedule and cost. Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity for Direct-to-Device (D2D) presents one of the greatest potential growth opportunities in satcom. The objective of the D2D partnership projects is to design, develop, qualify, integrate and validate satellite payload, platform and ground network innovative technologies using ESA Member States' supply chain solutions in a pre-operational system showcasing emerging D2D services. Duties Your t...