Radio Navigation Engineer

Octagon Professionals is looking for a Radio Navigation Engineer to support the European Space Agency (ESA) .The Radio Navigation Engineer will support ESA activities related to the procurement, design, development, testing and validation of radio navigation systems, techniques and technologies . The role covers satellite, spaceborne and terrestrial navigation systems, with a strong focus on GNSS-based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) and advanced geolocation solutions.

The position contributes to ESA projects and R&D activities across system, signal, receiver and performance domains , supporting both internal developments and industrial contracts. Activities are mainly performed using the Radio Navigation Laboratory facilities available at ESTEC , including simulations, laboratory testing and field trials.

The selected candidate will be employed by Octagon Professionals and will work in a dynamic and international environment.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

1 Radio Navigation Systems and Applications

• Study, design, analysis and testing of Radio Navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc.) and augmentation systems (EGNOS, WAAS, QZSS, etc.).
• Evaluation of navigation system elements, segments and technologies, including dissemination and navigation algorithms.
• Performance assessment of Navigation/Positioning/Timing (PNT) systems at user, system and segment level using software simulators, laboratory setups and field measurements.

2 Space and Terrestrial Navigation Equipment

• Design, analysis and testing of radio navigation equipment for space applications , including:
• Scientific applications (atmospheric sounding, ocean observation)
• Formation flying, rendezvous and attitude determination
• Design and testing of terrestrial navigation receivers and technologies , including local augmentation systems for high-accuracy and high-integrity applications (e.g. geodesy, civil aviation, maritime).

3 Signals and Signal Processing

• Study, design and validation of radio navigation signals and signal processing techniques , including:
• Signal structures, modulations and data dissemination
• Error correction, synchronisation and multipath mitigation
• Interference detection, mitigation and cancellation
• Encryption, authentication and security-related techniques

4 Laboratory and Test Facilities

• Definition, procurement, design, testing and operation of Radio Navigation laboratory equipment .
• Maintenance and operation of complex simulation and test facilities for spacecraft, aircraft, maritime and land mobile applications.
• Execution of laboratory testing and support to navigation experiments and test campaigns.

5 Project and Contract Support

• Technical support to ESA space projects and R&D activities (e.g. Galileo, LEO-PNT, FutureNAV).
• Assistance in preparation of invitations to tender and technical follow-up of industrial contracts.
• Validation of designs through analyses, simulations, laboratory tests and field trials, including cooperation with third parties.
• Preparation of technical documentation and support to demonstrations inside and outside ESTEC.

6 Specific Duties

In addition to the general WP activities, the post holder will:

• Contribute to PNT and Geolocation system design, development and R&D activities led by the Navigation Systems Definition Section (TEC-SEN).
• Support Navigation Projects and R&D activities in:
• PNT and Geolocation systems, signals, receivers and performance
• Galileo PRS and authentication services
• Derivation of system and user performances
• Contribute to ESA’s R&D strategy and research programmes , including:
• Future PNT systems and concepts
• LEO-PNT and multi-layer PNT
• 5G/6G NTN positioning
• Moon, Mars and Solar System PNT
• Deep Space Navigation
• Geolocation and RFI Monitoring
• Space receivers and advanced signal processing techniques
• Participate in and contribute to standardisation bodies and technical working groups .
• Design, definition and follow-up of industrial contracts related to R&D activities and procurement of GNSS breadboards, receivers and user technologies.

Qualification Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Physics or Aerospace Engineering .

Technical Competencies & Experience

• Strong knowledge of satellite navigation systems , ranging and positioning techniques.
• Solid expertise in RF, signal processing, and digital navigation receivers .
• Proven experience with GNSS, EGNOS and/or Galileo systems and equipment , including:
• GNSS receivers and PNT algorithms
• Positioning and integrity techniques
• Galileo PRS system, authentication, and related signals/receivers
• Experience with LEO-PNT systems , space receivers, and deep space navigation.
• Background in governmental, telecom and/or EO/SAR satellite systems .
• Experience with simulation and testing systems for radio navigation , including operation and maintenance of complex laboratory and test facilities.
• Knowledge of geolocation and RFI monitoring techniques .
• Familiarity with commercial navigation simulation software is considered an asset.

Additional Requirements

• Eligibility to obtain an EU personal security clearance from the relevant national authority.