Job Description

A vacancy for an Earth Observation Satellite System Engineer has arisen within Airbus Defence & Space in Madrid (Getafe). The successful applicant will join the EOS Chief Engineering Department in Spain (TSESS).
We are seeking a highly skilled Satellite Systems Engineer with a background in Earth Observation and/or Science satellite systems development. In this role, you will join the Systems Engineering team in the development of state-of-the-art, high-end Earth Observation satellite systems, in institutional and defence markets.
You will play a critical role in the lifecycle of next-generation satellite missions. You will be responsible for ensuring that complex space systems are built to specification through rigorous Verification & Validation (V&V;) and robust Interface Management.
Beyond your technical core, you will act as a Deputy to the Chief Engineer, providing high-level technical support and assisting in the technical management of the system. This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between deep technical engineering and strategic system-level management.

Responsibilities

- System Engineering and V&V;:
Lead the development and execution of the Verification & Validation (V&V;) Plan in accordance with ECSS standards.
- Execute mission analysis, generate the CONOPS and, from those, derive V&V; strategies for the product.
- Define verification methods (Analysis, Inspection, Demonstration, Test) to ensure all system requirements are met throughout the mission lifecycle.
- Oversee the creation and management of the Verification Control Document (VCD).
- Coordinate complex system-level tests, including environmental testing and end-to-end functional tests.
- Interface Engineering:




Manage the satellite interfaces along the product development lifecycle
- Manage the Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between the spacecraft, payload, and ground segments.
- Ensure seamless integration of hardware and software components by managing technical interfaces and resolving cross-subsystem conflicts.
- Perform interface impact analysis during design changes to ensure system integrity.
- Technical Management & Deputy Chief Engineer Duties:
Support the Chief Engineer in the technical oversight of the entire mission, ensuring technical consistency across all subsystems, and OTOQOC delivery of the satellite.
- Assist in technical decision-making processes and the management of technical risks and contingencies.
- Participate in Technical Reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, AR) and prepare high-level technical documentation for customers and stakeholders.
- Contribute to the technical management of the project, including resource estimation, cost control, schedule alignment, and technical progress monitoring.
- In addition to this, you will play a key role in:
The deployment of novel engineering methods, processes and tools (e.g. MBSE, multi-disciplinary analyses, concurrent design engineering)
- The digitalisation of our design, development and manufacturing processes (e.g. DDMS),



and their smooth implementation across all involved disciplines
- The development of novel features into existing product lines and/or upgrading of existing product lines to cope with those novel features, as dictated by the business

Skills

- Education & Experience:
Master’s Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
- Proven experience (5+ years) in Systems Engineering within the Space industry, specifically on satellite platforms or high-complexity space missions.
- Strong background in Earth Observation or Science mission architectures is a significant plus.
- Technical Skills:
Deep understanding of the Space Mission Lifecycle and ECSS standards.
- Knowledge of SAR and Optical payloads is a plus.
- Expertise in Requirements Engineering (e.g., using DOORS or similar tools).
- Proficiency in Interface Management and System Modeling.
- Strong knowledge of satellite subsystems (AOCS, EPS, OBDH, Telecommunications, Thermal).
- Ability to interpret complex test data and technical reports.
- Soft Skills & Leadership:
Leadership Potential: Ability to step into a deputy management role, demonstrating maturity and technical authority.
- Communication: Excellent ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both multidisciplinary engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying technical risks and proposing mitigation strategies.
- Language: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Spanish, French and German is a plus.

Which Benefits Will You Have as Airbus Employee?

- Vacation days plus additional days

📌 Earth Observation Satellite System Engineer (Getafe)
🏢 Airbus Defence And Space
📍 Getafe