Avionics and Payload Data Handling 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 is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of four years and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
You will work as Avionics and Payload Data Handling Engineer (for Earth observation satellites in the first instance) in the On-board Computers and Data Handling Systems Section, Data Systems / Microelectronics and Components Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC).
You will report to the Head of the On-Board Computers and Data Handling Systems Section and will work in close collaboration with and in support of the Technology Coordination and Frequency Management Section of the Future Missions and Instruments Division, Future Missions and Architecture Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP).
Duties
In performing your tasks for D/EOP, you will work in close cooperation with other staff members of the Future Missions and Instruments Division, within the Future Missions and Architecture Department, and will be in close contact with representatives of industry and of other space agencies.
You will also liaise with the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and with the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).
You will be responsible for the following tasks relating to Earth observation (EO) technology:
- identifying technology needs, based on space system requirements and general technology trends, for future EO missions and programmes, focusing on technologies for the platform such as data handling, AOCS, power and propulsion and communications with the ground segment such as payload data downlink, commanding and protocols;
- actively contributing to the EO strategy for technology development, including standardisation of platform product lines, ECSS tailoring and the wider use of co-engineering approaches with industry;
- identifying and analysing lessons learned from previous and ongoing missions, in coordination with the D/EOP Projects Department, D/TEC and D/OPS;
- defining, initiating and managing technology development activities in the area of platforms and communications with the ground segment for the preparation of future EO missions in coordination with other sections of the Division, the EO Projects Department and D/TEC and D/OPS;
- monitoring and assessing the evolution of EO-relevant technologies through internal studies and follow-up of industrial activities both within ESA taking place for example in D/EOP, D/TEC, D/OPS and D/TIA, and outside ESA including those implemented by other space agencies and the European Commission and commercial initiatives for EO, as well as potential spin-in from other industrial sectors, such as COTS;
- supporting the preparation of future EO missions through participation in the evaluation of proposals in response to calls, reviews and assessments of industrial results, among other things;
- maintaining and improving the Earth observation technology databases to facilitate internal coordination within the Division and Department and with external actors;
- contributing to the transfer of technical knowledge and lessons learned across the Agency and to the future R&D road maps for avionics and data handling / data processing activities for Earth observation satellites.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s degree or PhD in electronics, electrical engineering, networks, telecommunications or a related discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
- A background in a relevant area of Earth observation and at least five years of experience in spacecraft platform technology development are required.
- You are expected to be able to contribute to a dynamic and creative environment in the preparatory phases of EO missions. You should have good interpersonal skills and be able to work and interact within small teams. Experience of working in a team and/or project environment is desirable.
- Experience in spaceborne platform technologies and signal processing and familiarity with EO remote sensing techniques would be an asset.
- You should be thorough in your approach, open to innovation and able to work autonomously, while also displaying good communication skills.
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 at [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.
