System and Performance Engineer
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
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 is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of four years and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
System Performance Engineer in the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section, RF Payloads and Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
You will provide expert technical support in the area of Earth Observing systems end-to-end performance, with a focus on optical Earth observation (EO). You will be initially assigned for a limited period of two to four years to the Sentinel-4 and Sentinel-5 projects in the EO Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
The Wave Interaction and Propagation Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field(s) of:
- wave propagation relevant to space communications, navigation and remote sensing;
- wave interaction for active, passive and combined remote sensing of ocean, land and atmosphere of the Earth and other planets.
This includes:
- modelling and experimental validation;
- the associated mitigation, retrieval, correction and calibration algorithms;
- related end-to-end performance assessment, including contribution to product quality.
Duties
Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your overall main tasks and responsibilities will be as described below.
During an initial assignment to the Sentinel-4 and Sentinel-5 projects, you will report functionally to the Sentinel-4 Ground Segment Lead and to the Sentinel-5 System Manager, and will support:
- the development of an instrument data simulator and data processing algorithms and their implementation on Level 1 and Level 2 processor prototypes, including ground tools required to support Cal/Val;
- data analysis from pre-launch calibration campaigns to assess pre-launch instrument performance and support anomaly investigations;
- instrument data processing for in-orbit functional and performance verification during the commissioning phase;
- regular instrument performance assessment during on-ground storage periods and maintenance of data processing and analysis tools during long storage periods;
- instrument data analysis and processing during the Cal/Val phase, including support to Level 2 product generation and verification;
- instrument data processing for in-flight routine mission performance verification and assessment of compliance with performance requirements;
- data provision and analysis for pre-launch and in-flight anomaly investigations during the mission lifetime;
- implementing and maintaining the data interface to external operational agencies, such as EUMETSAT and the Copernicus programme;
- EO project reviews, such as TRRs, TRBs and DRBs, in the areas of mission, system and instrument data processing;
- technical management of EO projects as necessary to assess anomalies and evolutions in requirements, such as RFWs, RFDs and NCRs;
- procurement of project data analysis tools for ITTs, RFQs and TEBs, for example.
Following the initial assignment, you will be deployed to work on wave interaction and propagation tasks, which include, in the field of optical Earth observation:
- providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies throughout all project phases;
- participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
- identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
- 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, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
- laboratory activities as required;
- monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining a state-of-the-art expertise;
- contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific/engineering discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
- Experience in using performance/system simulator tools and conducting simulations and performance analyses.
- Experience in data processing and in the development of ground processors.
- Experience in a project environment working on the procurement and monitoring of industrial activities.
- Knowledge of ESA and industrial procurement processes and standards for space system development, verification and product assurance.
- Particular importance will be attached to your ability to interact with both the scientific and engineering communities. Knowledge and understanding of the Earth science context is 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 at [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.
