AOCS/GNC Sensors Engineer
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
This post is classified A2–A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
AOCS/GNC Sensors Engineer in the AOCS/GNC Sensors Unit, GNC, AOCS & Pointing Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The AOCS/GNC Sensors Unit is responsible for developing new AOCS (attitude and orbit control systems) and GNC (guidance, navigation and control) sensors. Such sensors include star trackers, gyroscopes, accelerometers, IMUs, magnetometers, Sun and Earth sensors, hybrid navigation systems, 3D cameras and optical navigation sensors. Actuators such as wheels and CMGs are developed in cooperation with another department.
The Unit is also responsible for developing, maintaining and operating the Division’s laboratory facilities to support divisional R&D activities and project investigations.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs and addressing the development, modification or qualification of AOCS/GNC sensors and actuators;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise in the area of inertial sensors, optical sensors, Sun/Earth sensors, and magnetic or inertial actuators;
• participating in laboratory activities aimed at providing independent verification of R&D results or specific project support;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
• supporting anomaly investigations, both during development on ground and in flight;
• providing expertise to support ESA projects within your area, in conjunction with colleagues in the other entities of the Division;
• contributing to Unit activities and support in the field of the dissemination of the results of the activities performed, in-orbit analyses, lessons learned and knowledge management.
Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s in optics, electronics, or mechanical or aerospace engineering is required.
Additional requirements
Proven experience in AOCS/GNC sensors as well as their related development and procurement activities, including the detailed design and qualification process.
Preference will be given to candidates with strong expertise in two or more of the following areas related to the position:
• Specific experience with star trackers, including algorithms
• Physical understanding of at least one gyroscope technology (FOG, CVG, RLG, etc.)
• Radiation effects in space electronics
• Previous experience in an R&D laboratory environment
• Understanding of spacecraft system design and spacecraft operations
• Space hardware development using COTS components (such as automotive-grade EEE)
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.
At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us email [email protected].
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
