About this role
X Space Safety Functional and Validation Architect Job Requisition ID: 21196 Date Posted: 5 November 2026 Closing Date: 26 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication Method: Internal & External Noordwijk, NL Grade Band: A2 - A4 Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands Description The Space Safety Programme aims to establish European capabilities and services in the domains of Planetary Defence, Space Weather, and Active Debris Removal [ADR] and In-Orbit Servicing [IOS]. One of the ways it achieves this goal is by carrying out various space missions, some of which are handled by the Mission Implementation Division when in Phase B2/C/D/E.
As part of the Space Weather domain, for example, ESA plans to implement a four-satellite constellation called "Aurora" for monitoring continuously and in real-time the auroral oval, as a key means of enhancing space weather nowcasting and forecasting capabilities in Europe. A first step consists of a single demonstrator satellite mission ("Aurora-D"). The ever-increasing number of satellites in orbit poses a significant risk to operational spacecraft and the sustainability of space activities.
The ADRIOS (Active Debris Removal and In-Orbit Servicing) missions aim to develop and flight-prove capabilities for rendezvous, inspection, capture, life extension, relocation, de-orbiting and repair of satellites. The Mission Implementation team works very closely with the Mission Study team in the CleanSpace and Circular Economy Office in charge of Phase A/B1. Space Safety missions often involve companies that are relative newcomers to the space field with ambitions for the private market, which requires the ESA project teams to provide specific expertise and to follow a pragmatic approach. Your role will provide you with an opportunity to contribute to pioneering space technologies in-orbit, enabling future safe and sustainable orbital operations.
Duties As Space Safety Functional and V...