Optical Technology Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20111

Date Posted: 25 November 2025

Application Deadline: 5 January 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Operations

Workplace: Darmstadt, DE

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Description
Optical Technology Engineer in the Optical Technologies Section, Ground Station Engineering Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.

The Optical Technologies Section provides engineering matrix support to ESA programmes and leads the development of ground-based optical assets and standardisation and technology research and development (R&D) in the competence domain of optics for ground-based optical applications, as well as project management of subsequent operational technology introduction. The Section's activities cover the development of novel optical ground stations and related optical systems for optical space debris/near-Earth object observation, satellite and space debris laser ranging and momentum transfer, optical (quantum-) communication and optical frequency and timing generation and distribution.

The Optical Technologies Section is responsible for developing a broad range of key technology building blocks, addressing optical ground systems, such as telescopes, adaptive optics, free-space laser transmitters, single-photon detectors, time-tagged receivers and high-rate data receivers, as well as fully autonomous optical ground stations.

Duties
Under the direct authority of the Head of the Optical Technologies Section, you will be responsible for the development and engineering activities relating to optical ground stations for communication, surveillance and tracking applications, including optical telescope system design and optical subsystems, and for the following specific tasks:

• Roadmapping optical technology developments and the introduction of new capabilities for space missions, from low to high technology readiness levels;
• Introducing deep-space optical communication into space missions;
• Supporting the integration of direct-with-Earth optical communication systems into ground infrastructure for telecommunication and payload data-download applications;
• Supporting space situational awareness optical ground station technology definition and associated pre-development activities;
• Specification, development, procurement and validation of analogue/digital subsystems, including trade-off analysis, required for passive and active optical systems, in particular optical transmitters, optical detectors, quantum technology and adaptive optics systems;
• Conducting study and technology development and standardisation activities,
• Conducting internal/external studies and prototyping in the field of optical technology;
• Managing industrial contracts for the above.

Technical competencies
Systems engineering

(Quantum) optical free space and fibre communication

Optical space situational awareness technology

Deep-space optical communication

High-power laser systems

Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education
A master's degree in engineering, physics or space communication system engineering is required for this post.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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