Payload Validation Engineer Job Requisition ID

X Payload Validation Engineer Job Requisition ID: 20737 Date Posted: 13 July 2026 Closing Date: 17 August 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication: Internal & External Type of Appointment : 4 years, extendable to indefinite Directorate: Science Workplace: Noordwijk, NL Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands Description Payload Validation Engineer in the Payload Validation Section, Science Instrumentation Division, Future Missions Department, Directorate of Science. The Future Missions Department oversees mission preparation activities for ESA's science programmes, including mission definition studies (Phases 0/A/B1) and technology development activities. The Payload Validation Section is responsible for conducting laboratory-based payload element validation activities, with an emphasis on imaging focal plane technologies, to provide support for the development of instrumentation for future ESA space science missions. The main aim of the validation activities is to verify performance requirements under operational conditions, including assessing the influence of radiation. The majority of these activities take place during Phase 0/A/B1. The Section also provides general support to the Directorate's other departments in relation to specific validation activities and to missions under development (phase B2/C/D) or during operations (phase E). Furthermore, the Section provides general payload expertise support to the Directorate's other entities and supports the development of new payload technologies. Duties Reporting to the Head of the Payload Validation Section, your responsibilities will include: • supporting the team for the definition of the validation activities as defined in the test request; • defining the software required for the set up of the validation activities; • preparing the setup of the validation activities, with emphasis on software aspects; • performing software development in support of payload technology validation and science research activities: • Low-level hardware interfacing; • User interface; • System automation; • Data analysis and visualisation tools; • Remote control and data acquisition; • Overall development and maintenance of the existing Python library used in the SCI-F laboratories; • performing digital system programming (microcontrollers and FPGAs) for control and automation of test equipment; • preparing and maintaining test documentation, such as test requirements, user manuals, test plans/procedures and test reports; • performing commissioning and testing of the setup of the validation activities; • performing tests relating to payload validation activities; • performing test data analysis and reporting to the supported study team, project team or operations team; • supporting the monitoring of industrial technology development activities, such as reviews; • supporting the evaluation of proposals in response to mission calls, missions of opportunity and technology calls; • providing payload expertise for future mission studies or projects; • supporting the testing of front-end electronics for scientific sensors, such as CCDs, infrared detectors and CIS; • supporting mixed-signal ASIC testing at room and cryogenic temperatures for ground and space applications. Technical competencies Excellent understanding of microcontrollers, FPGAs and digital systems for test equipment control and automation, for example VHDL Excellent understanding of readout electronics, in particular for CMOS and CCD as currently used in space science instrumentation Excellent understanding of software development for data analysis, visualisation and automation and related tools, such as C and C libraries, C++, Python and specific libraries, for example PyFITS, PyVISA, pyGTK, SciPy, NumPy and Matplotlib Knowledge of payload technologies and general space science instrumentation Knowledge of space radiation effects on imaging detectors Hands-on experience in software development, especially in areas such as low-level hardware interfacing, user interfaces, system automation and data analysis tools Hands-on experience in performance testing, under representative space conditions, of hardware of the type typically used in space science payloads Behavioural competencies Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking Education and professional experience A master's degree in physics and engineering, with a focus on software engineering, is required for this post, together with at least four years of relevant professional experience. 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 . 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. 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.