Platform & Verification Engineer (Comet Interceptor)
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Science.
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
Comet Interceptor is a “Fast” (F-Class) mission in ESA’s Science Programme that is being jointly developed by ESA, the Member States, and JAXA, for a dual launch with the Ariel spacecraft in 2029. Comet Interceptor was adopted by ESA’s Science Programme Committee in June 2022. It consists of a main spacecraft carrying two probes (called B1 and B2) intended to perform a fly-by of a pristine comet, with multi-point measurements being provided by the main spacecraft and both its probes. This post is in the Comet Interceptor Project, Future Missions Department, Directorate of Science
Duties
Reporting to the Comet Interceptor Project Manager, you will be the focal point for platform procurement aspects of the mission and the satellite verification activities.
Duties are focused on (but not limited to) the monitoring of the detailed design, manufacturing and procurement activities of the Comet Interceptor platform elements, including their associated Qualification Status Reviews, delta-qualifications and/or qualifications as required. In addition, the duties include supporting the verification activities at platform and satellite level.
Specific duties include:
- Monitoring the platform sub-systems and equipment procurement activities undertaken by the spacecraft contractor, for ensuring the platform delivery schedule and in-orbit performance;
- Defining and leading as required the Equipment Qualification Status Review process of the platform elements as proposed by the spacecraft contactor(s), identify delta-qualifications where necessary, and follow-up the qualification of the elements as necessary;
- Supporting the platform and satellite level (instrument, probes and spacecraft) verification activities and ensuring their consistency with the overall mission design and performance requirements.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Results Orientation
Operational efficiency
Fostering cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous improvement
Forward thinking
Education
A Master’s degree in engineering or applied physics is required.
Additional requirements
You should also have:
- Knowledge of sensors, optics technologies and more generally instrumentation is considered as beneficial.
- Proactively engage and coordinate a diverse range of internal technical experts and to work with external partners with the scientific institutes/industry, while considering programmatic constraints.
- Anticipate problems and propose solutions bearing the overall goals of the project in mind.
- Show flexibility in dealing with day-to-day operational challenges, while demonstrating strong planning and organisational skills.
- Show a high level of motivation and dedication, taking ownership and acting proactively.
- Work independently while providing your line manager with regular feedback and asking for support where necessary.
- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to be able to present complex technical issues clearly and convincingly.
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.
Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
