Description

RF Payload Engineer, RF Payload Engineering and Digital Equipment Section, RF Payloads andTechnology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

This post will be primarily assigned to provide support to the Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography Project, Copernicus Space Component Space Segment, Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The RF Payload Engineering and Digital Equipment Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field(s) of telecommunication payloads and subsystems, microwave and millimetre-wave remote sensing instruments and navigation payloads exploiting analog, digital and optical on-board technologies. Additionally, the Section covers the research, design, development and testing of radio frequency digital equipment as well as payload signal and data processing techniques for RF payloads and microwave remote sensing instruments.

The Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography Project Team is part of the ESA department developing Earth observation missions on behalf of the Copernicus programme of the European Union.

As part of the global effort to develop next-generation missions beyond those already operational, Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography aims to replace the Sentinel-3 C&D satellites’ radar altimetry component, providing continuity beyond 2030 and will, in addition, bring a number of enhancements.

The Project translates mission user needs into system requirements and manages the procurement and launch of the satellites, in compliance with the performance and reliability requirements, within schedule and financial targets. It also oversees the development of the measurement system prototype, from data acquisition to mission data processing, data products and associated performance.

This ESA Project forms part of a network of international partners, space firms, scientists and users.

You are encouraged to visit the following websites:

• Sentinel-3: https://sentinels.copernicus.eu/web/sentinel/missions/sentinel-3
• Copernicus: https://www.copernicus.eu/en

Duties

Reporting to both the Head of Section and the Sentinel-3 Next Generation project, within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing support as RF Payload Engineer for the above mentioned Project, including, in particular:
  • supporting the procurement of the payload elements:
    • Managing and controlling payload requirements;
    • Monitoring and controlling payload performance allocation and budgeting;
    • Participating in the payload procurement process;
    • Monitoring all aspects of the payload development (design, implementation and testing);
    • Following up the qualification and acceptance verification activities;
  • supporting the procurement of the measurement system simulator/processor prototype:
    • Supporting the measurement system simulator and ground processor requirements;
    • Assessment of the measurement system performance during the evolution of the development;
    • Monitoring the measurement system developments and deliveries.
  • supporting project management, risk, quality and reporting tasks:
    • Participating in project reviews;
    • Participating in proposals and change request evaluations and negotiations;
    • Technical and programmatic risk identification and assessment;
    • Requirements deviations and non-conformance assessment and follow-up;
    • Development schedule assessment;
    • Reporting input provision.
• supporting the general activities of the Section:
  • Supporting the overall architectural definition, specification, development and verification of the future RF payloads and microwave instruments, including RF payloads with digital processing;
  • Supporting the definition of technological requirements of future RF payloads and microwave instruments, including digital on-board processing payload equipment, in cooperation with ESA’s specialists in the different domains;
  • Supporting the definition and management of R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs related to RF payloads and microwave instruments;
  • Contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
  • Monitoring technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
  • Contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

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 degree in telecommunications, electronics or RF/microwave engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Very good understanding of RF payloads for Earth observation space applications, including the functionality, architectures and key performance parameters specification and evaluation is required.

Solid, hands-on experience of RF Payload development (or relevant subsystem) and associated measurement system, in a project/procurement environment is required.

A very good knowledge of on-board digital signal processing techniques and technologies for RF payloads and microwave instruments will be considered an asset.