Principal Payload Engineer (IDS-LISA)
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
LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a mission that consists of a constellation of three spacecraft tasked with detecting and measuring gravitational waves with remarkable precision. It will be the first space gravitational wave observatory, delivering world-class science and holding significant public and strategic importance. The Interferometric Detection Subsystem (IDS) is a central and complex system within the LISA payload, performing high-fidelity measurements of relative motions of the spacecraft and the free-falling test mass. It is a Customer Furnished Item (CFI), resulting from collaboration among multiple European institutes.
As IDS Principal Payload Engineer in the Projects Department of the Directorate of Science, you will report to the LISA Payload Procurement Lead. Your responsibilities will include overseeing the entire development of this subsystem, ensuring its compliance with the scientific and technical requirements of the LISA mission. You will supervise the design, development and testing activities while collaborating with all relevant stakeholders, both internal and external to the LISA project team. To accomplish this, you will receive support from experts within the LISA Project Team and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
Duties
Your responsibilities will encompass:
- coordinating and overseeing the institutes responsible for IDS procurement, ensuring that its design and development align with the LISA scientific, technical and programmatic requirements;
- monitoring all development activities and offering technical support to the CFI institutes as required;
- organising, conducting and completing all the relevant and necessary reviews;
- supporting the Procurement Lead and the Payload Manager in defining, maintaining and executing the IDS schedule and risk register;
- providing support to the LISA Project Team throughout the entire development up to completion;
- providing support to the Projects Department when requested.
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, and reporting health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s degree in engineering is required for the post.
Additional requirements
- Experience in optical component manufacturing technologies, including the associated challenges and knowledge of state-of-the art performance;
- The ability to perform conceptual and detailed optical design and performance analysis of optical instrumentation using appropriate software tools;
- Knowledge of test and verification methods for optical components and optical instrumentation;
- Basic knowledge of other engineering areas (e.g. mechanical, thermal, materials) is considered an asset.
You should also have:
- the ability to manage third parties’ activities, ensuring a motivating and collaborative environment with stakeholders;
- the ability to operate proactively in a project team;
- strong problem-solving skills to address day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
- a strong result-oriented approach with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
- the capacity to manage challenging situations proactively, while maintaining a customer-focused mindset.
International experience, i.e., outside your home country, as well as in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities would be an asset.
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.
