Job Introduction
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 a 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.
Successful Candidate
Do you think you are the person we are looking for? See below what experience or knowledge you should bring:
- 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 the Company
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.
Why should you join Serco ?
At Serco not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play.
Meaningful and vital work - You’ll contribute to methodologically intercepting challenges whilst achievements will also be recognised and celebrated.
A world of opportunity - You’ll be wholeheartedly supported with development and career progression
Great people - You’ll become an integral member of a well-defined and supportive team who believe passionately in the value of our work. We are a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
We are diverse and inclusive organisation
At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to supporting the needs of all our colleagues. It’s a mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences and opinion that keeps our culture strong and vibrant.
We believe in equity so we strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their abilities in an interview. We also welcome a conversation about any adjustments that would make the interview process more accessible for you. Wherever possible we are open to discussions around flexible working and we operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.
In the UK we are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader in the government’s scheme and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard; in Belgium we are partner of Diversicom and member of Charter der Vielfalt in Germany.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to The Serco Europe Recruitment Team
Important:
Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.
Applicants are reminded that they will be requested to produce such documentation during the recruitment process.
Please contact a member of the recruitment team if you require further details of acceptable types of documentation required for verification of identity and work authorization.
Data Protection:
For more information on how the personal data in your application is process, please see the link Data Protection policy here.