IV&V Engineer

Introduction

Serco is a trusted leader in Space Services, with a proud history spanning over 55 years and a track record of supporting more than 50 space missions for world‑renowned agencies like ESA and NASA. Our expertise covers the entire space lifecycle—from satellite testing and launch services to spacecraft operations, space surveillance, and data management—making us a key partner in advancing national strategies and driving innovation in the New Space era.

Job Details

We are currently searching for an experienced and dynamic IVV Engineer to join our international team in Rome and work on a full‑time, permanent position with a hybrid working style and excellent opportunities for career progress.

The Community You Will Join

You will work in an international, diverse team, surrounded by top‑tier scientists, engineers, and technical experts who inspire and challenge you every day. You’ll have ongoing opportunities to grow through specialised training and professional development tailored to the space sector, all while being part of a company that genuinely values work‑life balance, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. As you contribute to innovative projects and mission‑critical systems, you’ll gain hands‑on exposure to cutting‑edge technologies and collaborate closely with major space agencies, becoming part of something truly extraordinary.

The Difference You Will Make

You will contribute directly to some of Europe’s most exciting space programmes, from Earth observation and climate monitoring to satellite navigation and space safety. Your work will play a vital role in ensuring mission success, enabling better decision‑making on Earth and driving innovation in orbit. Whether you’re helping manage spacecraft operations, analysing mission data, or supporting software and systems development, your expertise will help move Europe’s space ambitions forward.

Your Mission

The activity is aimed at providing specialised AIV (Assembly, Integration and Validation) engineering support to the Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) of ESA Earth Explorers missions.

Activity Input

The activity of the Work Package will be based on the following input: DGS Design documentation; PDGS Operations Concept Document; Interface Control Documents; Ground Segment Validation Plan.

Activity Output

• PDGS Integration and Validation Test Plan;
• PDGS Integration and Validation Test Specification;
• PDGS Integration and Validation Procedures;
• PDGS Integration and Validation Reports;
• Technical notes, Minutes of Meetings, reports, review item discrepancies and problem and anomaly reports within the scope of the work;
• Definition and creation of the test data for PDGS Integration and Validation;
• Contributions to GS Validation Plan;
• Contributions to GS Validation Procedures;
• Contributions to GS Validation Reports;
• Weekly Operations reports;
• Ad‑hoc developed tools.

Activity Tasks

You will take charge of PDGS documentation, reviewing and preparing technical documents, maintaining procedures, test plans, and technical notes throughout the project. You will create test procedures, scripts, and operational or training materials, ensuring the team always has clear guidance. You will lead validation and testing activities, execute integration tests, analyse results, and produce reports. You will investigate issues, operate supporting tools, and develop ad‑hoc tools when needed to keep testing and validation on track. In operations, you will support daily PDGS activities, monitor the production chain, and assist in transferring validated items to operations. You will participate in internal meetings and reviews, and ESA or industry‑led sessions, while your performance will be measured against defined KPIs.

What You Bring to the Mission

You hold a university degree or equivalent in engineering or a related technical field, and you bring strong experience in integration and validation test activities, ideally within Earth Observation Ground Segments. You plan and follow testing schedules with precision, and you manage system and software anomalies by reporting, analysing, classifying, and resolving them efficiently. You apply your programming skills to develop tools that support PDGS testing and validation, and you navigate Linux operating systems, such as Red Hat, with ease, using shell scripting to automate tasks. You understand database management systems like MySQL and PostgreSQL, and you communicate fluently in English, both in writing and speaking. You work collaboratively with your team, sharing knowledge while learning from others, and you approach every challenge with a proactive, problem‑solving attitude. It’s desirable that you are familiar with Earth Observation satellite data product formats and have a good understanding of ECSS standards. You know ESA’s Earth Explorers missions, including their instruments, and understand the processes involved in PDGS development.

What We Offer

At Serco, we believe your career should come with more than a payslip; it should come with peace of mind, flexibility, and opportunities to thrive. That’s why we’ve built a benefits package designed to support you and your family, both inside and outside of work.

Here, you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll step into a place where your long‑term growth is planned and supported through a clear career path and continuous training opportunities that help you evolve with confidence. You can enjoy the freedom of a hybrid working style, complemented by full health and life insurance that brings peace of mind to you and your loved ones. And as an added perk, you’ll benefit from exclusive discounts at selected shops, making everyday life a little more rewarding while you build your future with us.