Upstream System Engineer
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
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 until 31 December 2026 and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.
This opportunity is open for the specific needs of a National Project. Accordingly, the external candidate selected for this post will continue to be considered an external candidate for the purposes of any future applications to the Agency.
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
Upstream System Engineer in the IRIDE project.
You will report to the IRIDE Programme Manager in the IT PNRR programme, Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
The IRIDE project is the Earth Observation component of the Italian PNRR (Italy’s national recovery and resilience plan to which ESA is providing technical assistance).
The IRIDE system is composed of the upstream, downstream and service elements.
The upstream element is a constellation of constellations, comprising several sensing technologies: radar, optical, multispectral and hyperspectral.
You will oversee the analysis and assessment of system engineering aspects for the IRIDE constellations.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- supporting the coordination of upstream technical activities for the whole project lifecycle, i.e. design, implementation, testing, validation and commissioning;
- contributing to the definition of the IRIDE system architecture and operations concept, focusing in particular on satellites’ operational capabilities;
- acting as Technical Officer for some of the IRIDE constellations contracts with the responsibility of monitoring industry’s activities, to ensure appropriate planning and implementation of activities for instrument and satellite (P)FMs, providing early warnings of major problem areas and anomalies and ensuring that appropriate mitigation actions are identified and implemented;
- analysing and assessing, along the project lifetime, the IRIDE constellations system characteristics (such as design, performance, mission analysis and system budgets);
- participating in the reviews for the IRIDE constellations (TRRs, TRBs, IOCRs, etc.);
- supporting the launch campaign and LEOP/commissioning activities as needed (for example, launch campaign definition and preparation);
- reporting on activities to the IRIDE Project Manager, escalating technical, programmatic and personnel issues as appropriate.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s in aerospace engineering or another relevant engineering subject is required for this post.
Additional requirements
A minimum of seven years’ experience in space system engineering is required.
You should also:
- have a high level of self-motivation, autonomy and the capability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team;
- demonstrate flexibility in dealing with day-to-day operational challenges;
- have strong inclination for teamwork.
Experience in frequency and spectrum management would be an asset, as would knowledge of orbital dynamics and analyses.
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.
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.
