Ground Control Segment Engineer

Welcome to SSC Space (formerly Swedish Space Corporation), the perfect workplace for those passionate about technology in general and space in particular. 
With space organizations, research institutes, institutional and commercial actors as customers, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications, space consulting services, rocket and balloon systems, flight test services, satellite propulsion systems, and much more.
SSC Space also has one of the world’s largest global networks of ground stations for satellite communications. We own and operate the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, northern Sweden, with the aim of launching satellites in the near future. 
Are you fueled by a passion for people and the ambition to create an awesome workplace? Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with us to help earth benefit from space? 
If you answer yes to these questions, we invite you to seize the opportunity to make a significant impact. We are looking for a dedicated professional who shares our core values of Customer passion, Care, Collaboration, Curiosity, and Courage.

Requirements

Essential:
• Proven experience in defining and implementing Operational Concepts for large systems.
• Strong background in the procurement, integration, and operations of Ground Segments.
• System engineering expertise, preferably in SATCOMs.
• Ability to manage complex requirements, including breakdown, tracing across different levels, and change management.
• Experience in managing industrial activities, including contract negotiations and conducting technical reviews.

Desirable:
• Experience in risk management and schedule tracking for large scale projects.
• Understanding of space and ground segments, including their respective subsystems.
• Familiarity with training schemes and methods relevant to operations engineering.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and mitigate risks.

Legal and Security Requirements:

• Only European Union (EU) citizens can be employed by SSC Space Netherlands for this specific position.
• Applicants are required to provide a copy of their passport and degree certificate. SSC Space Netherlands will validate the Degree with the issuing University and provide evidence to ESA.
• In line with ESA’s security requirements, prior to issuing a letter of employment the applicant shall provide to SSC Space Netherlands a recent official document declaring that they are of good conduct from the country where currently resident, and SSC Space Netherlands will validate your employment history.

Responsibilities

Operational Concept Development:
• Define, develop, and validate the Operational Concept for the Ground Control Segment.
• Maintain alignment of the Constellation Operational Concept (CONOPS) with the ground segment throughout development, integration, and deployment.
• Ensure compliance of the S3C’s building blocks (e.g., simulators, mission planning system, flight dynamics system, platforms M&C) with the Operational Concept and system requirements.
• Support risk management by assessing vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation measures.

Industry and Stakeholder Coordination:
• Liaise with industry on technical requirements lifecycle, ensuring alignment with functional, performance, operational, service, and security needs.
• Collaborate with ESA’s Ground Segment System Engineers, Mission Ground Segment Engineers, Secure Connectivity Security Office (CSC-IX), and the industrial consortium designing and validating the S3C infrastructure.
• Ensure the TT&C distribution system to remote sites aligns with operational objectives.

Technical Oversight & Compliance:
• Monitor relevant schedules and proactively identify risks in the ground segment.
• Provide risk assessments and propose mitigation actions from both industry and ESA perspectives.
• Ensure end-to-end technical consistency across all procurement activities at the S3C level. 
• Support security engineering activities in coordination with the Security Office.

Benefits

• The selected candidate will receive a competitive remuneration.
• When autonomous then teleworking can often be utilised.
• Will be registered for both social security and tax in the Netherlands.
• The standard working hours are 40 per week.
• There are 12 public holidays and an additional 30 annual days holiday.
• Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are of course included.
• SSC Space Netherlands contributes 15,4% of pensionable salary to a company pension scheme and employees can optionally make additional contributions.

To be considered for this Position
Prior to 2026-08-21, please apply via our Job Application form.
If not directly interested, feel free to share this Job Vacancy with your friends!

Outro
SSC Space is a leading global provider of advanced space services, with more than 50 years of experience. We help space organizations, research institutes, commercial and institutional actors from all over the world to get access to space.
With local presence on all continents and about 750 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications and satellite control services, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services and flight test services, as well as engineering, operations and consultancy services for space missions. 
We help Earth benefit from space. Learn more at sscspace.com