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Earth Observation Satellite System Engineer

Hybrid in Getafe·Full-time·Added yesterday (last checked 15 Oct)

Airbus Spain

427 open roles

Overview

Work mode
Hybrid, Getafe
Contract
Full-time
English
Required
Other languages
German, French
Experience
5+ years
Education
Master's degree
Benefits
Private health insurance

Visa options

  • The ad doesn’t mention sponsorship

    Not a refusal, but not a yes. Worth asking in your first message.

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • 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.

  • Deep understanding of the Space Mission Lifecycle and ECSS standards.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Nice to have

  • 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

  • Strong background in Earth Observation or Science mission architectures is a significant plus.

  • Knowledge of SAR and Optical payloads is a plus.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

At Airbus we are focused on our employees and their welfare. Take a look at some of our social benefits:

  • Vacation days plus additional days-off along the year.

  • Attractive salary.

  • Hybrid model of working when possible, promoting the work-life balance.

  • Collective transport service in some sites.

  • Benefits such as health insurance, employee stock options, retirement plan, or study grants.

  • On-site facilities (among others): free canteen, kindergarten, medical office.

  • Possibility to collaborate in different social and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

  • Excellent upskilling opportunities and great development prospects in a multicultural environment.

  • Special rates in products & benefits.

The role

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.

What you'll do

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Employment Type

Permanent

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Experience Level

Professional

Job Family

Chief Engineering & Architecture

Hiring process

3 steps2 interviewsa task to doseveral weeks in all
  1. Apply online

  2. Screening and preselection · With Talent Acquisition team

  3. Call or short video interview

    With Talent Acquisition team

    Selected applicants are offered a call or a short video interview.

  4. Technical test, case study or online assessment

    Not every role

    Some roles include technical tests, case studies or online assessments.

  5. Business interviews

    With business team and Talent Acquisition team

    One or more interviews with the business team and Talent Acquisition, in person or by video; HR, technical and competency-based discussions.

  6. Offer and onboarding · With Human Resources

  • The process may take several weeks.
  • Recorded video interviews, where used, are reviewed by a human.

About Airbus Spain

Airbus is a global leader in aerospace, manufacturing commercial aircraft, helicopters, and defense and space systems. With its headquarters in Toulouse, France, Airbus operates across multiple countries and employs over 130,000 people worldwide. The company is known for its commercial aircraft families like the A320 and A350, as well as its military programs such as the Eurofighter and Eurodrone.

In Spain, Airbus has a significant presence with major sites in Getafe, Madrid, and other locations, focusing on defense, space, and aerostructures. The Spanish operations are integral to Airbus's military aircraft programs and engineering excellence. For international professionals, Airbus Spain offers opportunities in a multicultural environment, with roles in engineering, IT, and manufacturing. The company supports relocation and provides a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration.

Industry
Aerospace
Founded
1970
Employees
100,000–150,000
Headquarters
Toulouse, France
In Spain
Getafe, Madrid, Seville
Website
airbus.com

Good to know if you are moving

  • Airbus Spain has major engineering and manufacturing sites in Getafe, Madrid, and Seville, offering opportunities in defense and aeronautics.
  • The company offers structured graduate programs like the 'Discover' and 'Master' internships, which are open to international candidates.
  • Airbus supports relocation for international hires, including visa assistance and integration support.
  • Spain is a key hub for Airbus's military aircraft programs, including the Eurofighter and A400M, providing unique career opportunities.
  • Airbus Spain has a multicultural work environment, with English as a common working language in many teams.

In their own words

About the company & team

Airbus Defence and Space SAU

Additional information

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth.

By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

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