NAVISP Technology Innovation Engineer

As part of the NAVISP programme core team, reporting to the NAVISP Element 1 Manager, you will define, implement and monitor innovative activities in the field of navigation systems, technologies, algorithms and techniques in cooperation with European industry, universities and research centres and institutional stakeholders, drawing on the expertise of other ESA directorates.

NAVISP Technology Innovation Engineer

Description

NAVISP is implemented through three programmatic elements: Element 1 supporting PNT innovation, Element 2 supporting industrial PNT competitiveness, and Element 3 supporting national and institutional PNT activities.

Technologies, products and services in the field of PNT are deeply embedded in the functioning of modern society. From time-stamping of banking transactions worldwide to landing aircraft, PNT permeates many aspects of life. Satellite navigation is the most successful PNT technology today, but other complementary technologies, such as inertial navigation systems, help to achieve the performance required from its application.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Scouting for and exploring innovative and promising PNT technologies, products and services by analysing journal articles, conference proceedings and patents and by staying up to date with technology providers in the field;
• Supporting the identification and evaluation of disruptive technologies, such as quantum sensing, AI/ML techniques, photonics, modern cellular positioning signals and advanced satellite payload architectures, relevant to future PNT systems;
• Defining feasibility studies and trade-off assessments to explore novel concepts and system architectures for future PNT applications;
• Defining proofs of concept for promising products and services with the potential to become future pre-commercial Element 2 or institutional Element 3 proposals;
• Together with the relevant Contract Officer, preparing and organising the ensuing invitations to tender and executing the awarded contracts with industrial and academic contractors, overseeing the achievement of performance within the allocated time and budget;
• Monitoring the contracted activities in Element 1 allocated to other ESA directorates;
• Supporting the technical coordination between the NAVISP programme and other programmes and directorates across ESA, especially in respect of the technology roadmaps relevant to PNT;
• Supporting the assessment of PNT innovation results across the entire NAVISP programme portfolio and proposing follow-ons, which may be in the form of inputs to Element 1 workplans, calls for proposals for Element 2 or recommendations for national PNT strategies under Element 3;
• Contributing to the preparation of internal reports, presentations and executive summaries for decision-makers and stakeholders.

Technical competencies

• Good understanding of GNSS systems and PNT systems beyond satellite navigation, for example terrestrial navigation systems or non-GNSS payloads for PNT
• Good knowledge and understanding of PNT technologies, R&D trends and the global industrial and academic landscape
• Knowledge of the end-to-end global PNT value chain for different market segments, including the major stakeholders
• Knowledge of PNT resilience paradigms such as Protect, Toughen and Augment and Prepare, Act and Recover
• Experience in procurement activities for technology developments

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

A master’s degree in aerospace engineering or another relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Experience of working with satellite navigation in particular and PNT in general;
• Strong technical, analytical, organisational, and reporting skills, with a proactive attitude to solving problems;
• Ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team;
• Understanding of the ESA procurement process;
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 tools, process design and automation tools.

Important information and disclaimer

• Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.
• Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

Nationality and languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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.