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 TT&C Engineer to work on our Customers Site (ESA-ECSAT) in Harwell, the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity to get into one of the most sought-after space agencies in the world.
The Community You Will Join
At ECSAT, ESA’s centre in Harwell, you will work with engineers and researchers focused on space communications. The team covers telemetry, tracking, command (TT&C) and payload data transmission, supporting ESA missions in navigation, Earth observation, science and telecoms. You will be part of a diverse, collaborative and international environment.
The Difference You Will Make
You will help design, test and improve how spacecraft send and receive data, commands and tracking signals. This includes analysing system performance, running simulations, and supporting projects from early design to in‑orbit operations. Your work will guide technical decisions, improve communication systems and support the success of ESA missions.
Main Responsibilities
As TT&C Engineer you will concentrate your activities on the following:
- Assess and define architectures for end‑to‑end communication and navigation systems, from the physical layer to the application layer.
- Analyse system design and performance in both real and simulated scenarios, including link budgets, performance budgets and data flow.
- Support ESA projects through all phases, following industrial activities for space, ground and user segments.
- Contribute to the definition, integration, verification and validation of communication and navigation services for the Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) project.
- Work with Space Segment and Ground Segment teams to ensure seamless integration and consistent performance across all system segments.
- Support the definition and management of system and service requirements, service level agreements and operational needs.
- Participate in mission studies, project reviews, procurement activities, and preparation of technical standards (ECSS, CCSDS).
- Engage with end users to gather requirements, validate system capabilities and develop innovative operational scenarios.
- Contribute to ESA’s R&D activities, exploring new technologies and methods to improve system performance.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure interoperability and alignment with operational concepts.
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 or PhD in Telecommunications or Electronic Engineering.
- Minimum of 4 years’ relevant work experience in communication and/or navigation system engineering for space applications.
- Experience in system engineering for at least one space application area (communications, navigation, Earth observation, or exploration).
- Knowledge of system design, development, testing, and verification processes.
- Strong understanding of space system engineering principles, integration, and validation.
- Experience in defining, analysing, and managing system and user requirements.
- Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional, international teams.
- Strong problem‑solving and reporting skills.
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
- Eligible for national security clearance and relevant export control authorisation.
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
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.