Programme/Project Controller
Noordwijk, Zuid-Holland•Temporary
About the Job
For more than half a century, Serco has walked alongside the pioneers of space. Serco has supported over 50 ESA missions where our teams have helped launch satellites, guide spacecraft across the void and turn data into discoveries that reshape our world. With thousands of specialists contributing across the entire space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to operations and surveillance, we’ve become a trusted force in national And European space strategies. And now, the next chapter could include you.
On behalf of our client, the European Space Agency, we are looking for a Programme/Project Controller to join our team at the esteemed ESA-ESTEC site, in the Netherlands.
The support activities are planned for the period from 01 August 2026 until 31 December 2026.
Responsibilities:
- Support the planning, execution and follow-up of ESA programmes and projects.
- Maintain schedules, work plans and procurement plans.
- Monitor project progress and prepare reports and management information.
- Track KPIs and programme performance.
- Support manpower planning and resource allocation.
- Assist with budget preparation, forecasting and cost control.
- Identify deviations and support corrective actions.
- Review expenditures and ensure alignment with project budgets and Cost-at-Completion (CAC).
- Support tender activities and contract execution.
- Assist with price and schedule evaluations.
- Maintain contract information and milestone payment plans in ESA systems.
- Monitor financial commitments, invoicing and payments.
- Support inventory and export control activities.
- Prepare reports and analyses to support programme management.
- Maintain project data and management tools.
- Support programme risk management activities.
- Provide progress reports and end-of-year budget forecasts.
- Contribute to process improvements and work closely with management, stakeholders and service providers.
Profile:
- Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, MBA or a related discipline.
- Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in project control, programme management or resource management.
- SAP experience is mandatory.
- Experience within the aerospace industry is an advantage.
- Good understanding of budgeting, forecasting and project reporting.
- Knowledge of procurement and contract management processes.
- Knowledge of project control methods and milestone payment plans.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are essential.
- Experience with SAP (ECC/SRM), ESA-p or similar systems is an advantage.
- Familiarity with Power BI is a plus.
- Knowledge of finance or accounting is beneficial.
- Ability to work effectively in an international and multidisciplinary environment.
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
- EU nationality required.
What we Offer: More than just a job
At Serco, we believe that a career should come with more than just a paycheck, it should provide support, security, and a sense of balance in your life. Your salary will be paid promptly on Fridays before the 28th of each month, giving you peace of mind about your finances.
At Serco, we believe that a career should come with more than just a paycheck, it should provide support, security, and a sense of balance in your life. Your salary will be paid promptly on Fridays before the 28th of each month, giving you peace of mind about your finances.
We support your daily life and commute in practical ways. If you travel to work, you can claim a travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometre for up to 150 km, or you can have your public transport fully reimbursed. For those working from home, there’s a small daily allowance of €2 to cover extra costs, and new employees can be reimbursed up to €500 for a desk or chair to make their home workspace comfortable.
When your work takes you on missions or travel, all business-related expenses are fully covered, and for peace of mind during tax season, our appointed advisor will assist you in completing your income tax forms. If you enjoy cycling, our bicycle scheme allows you to benefit from a tax-efficient allowance of up to €749, one year of full insurance with an additional €89 per year for accessories.
Serco also cares about your long-term security. All employees are covered under a collective life insurance scheme, and our health insurance partnership with Zilverenkruis Achmea offers discounts of 5% on basic coverage and up to 10% on additional plans. Our company pension scheme, managed via Nationale Nederlanden, follows the Dutch State Pension framework, ensuring you can plan confidently for the future.
In addition, in emergency situations, you may request an advance salary payment of up to one month’s net salary at the discretion of your line manager. To support your wellbeing and daily work, we offer up to €250 reimbursement for work glasses to reduce blue light strain and provide access to Benefits & Work, offering multiple discounts for online shopping. For lifelong learning, all employees receive a 35% discount on programs at Webster University.
At Serco, our benefits are designed to make your life easier, healthier, and more flexible, so you can focus on contributing to groundbreaking space missions while feeling supported every step of the way.
Relocation:
The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air, with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.
Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders who are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.
About Serco
Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA.
We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe
We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security.
We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation/remote sensing, launch providers and much more.
We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe
We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security.
We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation/remote sensing, launch providers and much more.