Aerospace

What this sector is

The European space sector runs on long programmes, deep supplier ecosystems, and a small number of anchor sites. ESTEC in Noordwijk is the largest of those: Europe's principal space-technology centre and the operational home of ESA's technical directorate. Octagon has worked inside this ecosystem since 1990, including the EFC2 framework contract with ESA. For engineers and programme specialists, it is one of the few environments in Europe where the work spans decades and the missions carry real scientific and strategic weight.

Who we place here

Systems engineers, propulsion and thermal engineers, avionics and AIT specialists, GNC engineers, satellite payload specialists, and programme managers with ESA-ecosystem experience. We also place security-cleared roles where the engagement requires it, along with mission-analysis, quality, and product-assurance profiles. Backgrounds range from early-career engineers on their first ESTEC-adjacent contract to senior specialists with fifteen-plus years across European space programmes.

• ESA ESTEC (Noordwijk) — Europe's principal space-technology centre
• ESA EFC2 framework contract (active since 2021)
• Satellite payload and ground-segment engineering
• Security-cleared space programmes where applicable

How Octagon supports you

You sign a Dutch employment contract with Octagon and work on site through our Employer of Record. We file the 30% ruling where you qualify and sponsor your visa through the IND Recognised Sponsor route if you are moving from outside the EU. On the relocation side, Octagon coordinates the practical workflow — housing introductions, recommended brokers, banking introductions, schooling shortlists where applicable — and walks you through the personal admin (BSN appointments, DigiD activation) that the Dutch authorities require you to complete yourself. One named Octagon contact runs the engagement from offer through contract end. No recruiter carousel, no ticket queue. Thirty-five-plus nationalities on our own staff means we have been through the process ourselves.