Spacecraft Operations Engineer
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Operations.
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
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Description
Spacecraft Operations Engineer in the Solar System and Exploration Missions Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations.
The Solar System and Exploration Missions Division is responsible for the conception, design, implementation and operations of the mission operations ground segment and the spacecraft operations for ESA missions that travel in interplanetary space, typically from the start of phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of the mission.
Duties
You will be initially assigned to the Solar System and Exploration Missions Division and will report hierarchically to the Head of Division to support cross-division and mission-specific activities. For the mission specific activities, you will report functionally to the mission’s Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM).
Your tasks will include:
- assisting the SOM(s) in the definition, preparation and execution of the missions operations assigned to the Unit(s) including nominal, special and contingency operations, spacecraft and ground segment anomaly investigation and resolution, performance evaluation and reporting;
- acting as SOM when this role is delegated;
- assisting the SOM(s) in the specification, development, validation, maintenance and evolution of the ground segment systems and operational products required to conduct mission operations;
- interfacing with other areas within the Agency, industry, user community, external centres and/or agencies for all aspects related to your area of responsibility;
- providing support to the SOM(s) and/or Head(s) of Unit(s) in discharging the Units’ mandate and preparing for new missions to be operated by the Unit(s) or Division. This may include participation in reviews, preparation and operations of other missions delegated to the Unit, Division or Department and support for other D/OPS or ESA activities;
- technically coordinating and implementing the Division’s support for the transition to an EGS-CC based mission control system as part of the more generic EGOS-CC adoption project;
- technically coordinating and implementing fully harmonised real-time and offline mission operations planning and execution processes and tools for the Division.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A Master’s degree in engineering, mathematics or physics is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Behavioural skills as:
Planning & Organisation
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Responsible Decision-Making
Technical (specific for this post):
Experience in requirements definition and validation of ground segment data systems for mission operations.
Previous experience in mission operations of interplanetary missions would be considered 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.
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.
