Earth Observation Satellite System Engineer

Job Description:

Job Description: 

A vacancy for an Earth Observation Satellite System Engineer has arisen within Airbus Defence & Space in Madrid (Getafe). The successful applicant will join the EOS Chief Engineering Department in Spain (TSESS).

We are seeking a highly skilled Satellite Systems Engineer with a background in Earth Observation and/or Science satellite systems development. In this role, you will join the Systems Engineering team in the development of state-of-the-art, high-end Earth Observation satellite systems, in institutional and defence markets. 

You will play a critical role in the lifecycle of next-generation satellite missions. You will be responsible for ensuring that complex space systems are built to specification through rigorous Verification & Validation (V&V) and robust Interface Management.

Beyond your technical core, you will act as a Deputy to the Chief Engineer, providing high-level technical support and assisting in the technical management of the system. This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between deep technical engineering and strategic system-level management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

System Engineering and V&V:

• Lead the development and execution of the Verification & Validation (V&V) Plan in accordance with ECSS standards.

• Execute mission analysis, generate the CONOPS and, from those, derive V&V strategies for the product.

• Define verification methods (Analysis, Inspection, Demonstration, Test) to ensure all system requirements are met throughout the mission lifecycle.

• Oversee the creation and management of the Verification Control Document (VCD).

• Coordinate complex system-level tests, including environmental testing and end-to-end functional tests.

Interface Engineering:

• Manage the satellite interfaces along the product development lifecycle

• Manage the Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between the spacecraft, payload, and ground segments.

• Ensure seamless integration of hardware and software components by managing technical interfaces and resolving cross-subsystem conflicts.

• Perform interface impact analysis during design changes to ensure system integrity.

Technical Management & Deputy Chief Engineer Duties:

• Support the Chief Engineer in the technical oversight of the entire mission, ensuring technical consistency across all subsystems, and OTOQOC delivery of the satellite.

• Assist in technical decision-making processes and the management of technical risks and contingencies.

• Participate in Technical Reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, AR) and prepare high-level technical documentation for customers and stakeholders.

• Contribute to the technical management of the project, including resource estimation, cost control, schedule alignment, and technical progress monitoring.

In addition to this, you will play a key role in:

• The deployment of novel engineering methods, processes and tools (e.g. MBSE, multi-disciplinary analyses, concurrent design engineering…)

• The digitalisation of our design, development and manufacturing processes (e.g. DDMS), and their smooth implementation across all involved disciplines

• The development of novel features into existing product lines and/or upgrading of existing product lines to cope with those novel features, as dictated by the business

SKILLS

Education & Experience:

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

• Proven experience (5+ years) in Systems Engineering within the Space industry, specifically on satellite platforms or high-complexity space missions.

• Strong background in Earth Observation or Science mission architectures is a significant plus.

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of the Space Mission Lifecycle and ECSS standards.

• Knowledge of SAR and Optical payloads is a plus.

• Expertise in Requirements Engineering (e.g., using DOORS or similar tools).

• Proficiency in Interface Management and System Modeling.

• Strong knowledge of satellite subsystems (AOCS, EPS, OBDH, Telecommunications, Thermal).

• Ability to interpret complex test data and technical reports.

Soft Skills & Leadership:

• Leadership Potential: Ability to step into a deputy management role, demonstrating maturity and technical authority.

• Communication: Excellent ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both multidisciplinary engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying technical risks and proposing mitigation strategies.

• Language: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Spanish, French and German is a plus.

WHICH BENEFITS WILL YOU HAVE AS AIRBUS EMPLOYEE?

At Airbus we are focused on our employees and their welfare. Take a look at some of our social benefits:

• Vacation days plus additional days-off along the year.

• Attractive salary.

• Hybrid model of working when possible, promoting the work-life balance.

• Collective transport service in some sites.

• Benefits such as health insurance, employee stock options, retirement plan, or study grants.

• On-site facilities (among others): free canteen, kindergarten, medical office.

• Possibility to collaborate in different social and corporate social responsibility  initiatives.

• Excellent upskilling opportunities and great development prospects in a multicultural environment.

• Special rates in products & benefits.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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