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:
1. Assess and define architectures for end‑to‑end communication and navigation systems, from the physical layer to the application layer.
2. Analyse system design and performance in both real and simulated scenarios, including link budgets, performance budgets and data flow.
3. Support ESA projects through all phases, following industrial activities for space, ground and user segments.
4. Contribute to the definition, integration, verification and validation of communication and navigation services for the Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) project.
5. Work with Space Segment and Ground Segment teams to ensure seamless integration and consistent performance across all system segments.
6. Support the definition and management of system and service requirements, service level agreements and operational needs.
7. Participate in mission studies, project reviews, procurement activities, and preparation of technical standards (ECSS, CCSDS).
8. Engage with end users to gather requirements, validate system capabilities and develop innovative operational scenarios.
9. Contribute to ESA’s R&D activities, exploring new technologies and methods to improve system performance.
10. 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:
11. Master’s degree or PhD in Telecommunications or Electronic Engineering.
12. Minimum of 4 years’ relevant work experience in communication and/or navigation system engineering for space applications.
13. Experience in system engineering for at least one space application area (communications, navigation, Earth observation, or exploration).
14. Knowledge of system design, development, testing, and verification processes.
15. Strong understanding of space system engineering principles, integration, and validation.
16. Experience in defining, analysing, and managing system and user requirements.
17. Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional, international teams.
18. Strong problem‑solving and reporting skills.
19. Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
20. Eligible for national security clearance and relevant export control authorisation.
On offer
21. Flexible working policy (hybrid working)
22. Comprehensive and competitive benefits plan
23. A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs
24. Casual dress code
25. Bike Scheme