Description

Signal and Performance Radio Navigation Engineer in the Radio Navigation Systems and Techniques Section, Radio Frequency Systems Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Radio Navigation Systems and Techniques Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technology research (R&D) in radio navigation systems, signal-in-space, system performance, algorithms, and techniques and equipment for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) applications on ground and in space.

The Section also covers radio navigation techniques and technologies, elements and subsystems to generate, receive, exploit and analyse signals from current and upcoming radio navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS, EGNOS, Galileo, BEIDOU, LEO-PNT, Moonlight), including system design tools and navigation equipment. The emphasis is on engineering aspects, GNSS system and subsystem evolution, design and low TRL for technological demonstrator prototyping and, in particular, navigation system design and tools, novel navigation techniques and equipment design/prototyping, on-board receivers and formation-flying RF metrology.

The Section provides functional support to LEO-PNT. The LEO-PNT Project, a component of the FutureNAV programme, includes the implementation of an overall end-to-end in-orbit service demonstrator for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) in low-Earth orbit (LEO), including system engineering, satellites and launch services, ground segment and operations, system validation, experimentation and service demonstration. As a first assignment, you will work as nominative support in the LEO-PNT Project.

Duties

You will report to the Head of Section and, within the technical fields outlined above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• radio navigation system aspects, in particular relating to signal-in-space and system performance activities;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with the emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• laboratory activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technology trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to dissemination of the results of activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency;
• specific tasks and responsibilities relating to LEO-PNT signal-in-space and system performance, including:
  • implementing all signal and performance activities relating to the LEO-PNT Project;
  • consolidating and maintaining the LEO-PNT system performance budget file applicable to the LEO-PNT Project;
  • consolidating and maintaining the signal-in-space ICD baseline applicable to the LEO-PNT Project;
  • monitoring the LEO-PNT industrial activities for the correct implementation of the signal-in-space and system performance;
  • supporting the procurement of aspects relating to SIS and performance of the FutureNAV programme’s LEO-PNT component;
  • defining and implementing experimentation and service demonstration activities to assess system performance;
  • coordinating with the LEO-PNT space segment, ground segment and operations, mission and experimentation in your area of expertise;
  • monitoring the planning, preparation and implementation of a consistent and effective SIS and performance testing and verification plan;
  • acting as the focal point in your area of expertise for LEO-PNT SIS and performance within the Agency and with other external partners;
  • generating status reporting, conclusions, recommendations and lessons learned for LEO-PNT supporting the definition of future operational LEO-PNT systems;
  • ensuring coherence and consistency of SIS-ICD and key performance indicators of LEO-PNT activities, in coordination with other teams at ESA, in preparation of subsequent operational phases, with either institutional or commercial entities.

Your duties may also include providing support to other activities within your area 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 radio navigation engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You have experience of working in a dynamic pluri-disciplinary environment relating to PNT, GNSS, and/or RF space equipment, and in promoting innovation through a creative collaboration process.

You have solid expertise and a number of years’ professional experience in several of the following:

• GNSS signal-in-space design
• GNSS signal and system performance assessment
• GNSS receivers and signal processing techniques
• GNSS space receivers and/or wireless space equipment involving similar technologies and processing
• GNSS/Galileo systems
• LEO-PNT
• Hybrid positioning techniques and multi-layer PNT

Experience in LEO-PNT systems, in particular relating to signal-in-space, performances and user receivers, is considered an asset.

Knowledge of and work experience in RF systems and techniques other than radio navigation, such as wireless communications, 3GPP positioning and/or non-terrestrial networks, wireless security, scientific applications involving RF remote sensing and RF metrology, software-defined radio or geolocation, is considered an asset.

You must be eligible to obtain EU personal security clearance from your relevant national authority.