EO Frequency Management and Technology Engineer

This role is for an Earth Observation Frequency Management Engineer in the Future Missions and Instruments Division of the Future Systems and Architecture Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP).

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

EO Frequency Management and Technology Engineer

Description

Earth Observation Frequency Management Engineer in the Future Missions and Instruments Division of the Future Systems and Architecture Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP).

Duties

You will report to the Head of the Technology Coordination and Frequency Management Section (EOP-FMT). When performing your tasks, you will:

• Work in close cooperation with staff from other divisions and departments in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes, namely the Future Missions and Instruments Division of the Future Missions and Architecture Department for missions under definition, the Projects Department for missions under development, and the Mission Management and Ground Segment Department for missions in operation.
• Liaise with the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications, as well as with the Agency’s Frequency Management Office in the Directorate of Operations.

Your duties will include responsibility for the following frequency management-related tasks:

• Analysing the requirements and constraints of EO missions in preparation, including early concepts, with respect to frequency allocation and interference.
• Assisting in the evaluation process of candidate missions, such as for the Earth Explorer and Scouts programmes.
• Providing specific support to preparatory activities and to projects in development or in the operation phase in areas related to radio frequency interference analysis, interference protection, spectrum utilisation and compliance with the Radio Regulations.
• Monitoring the evolution of frequency needs of future EO missions, including early concepts and potential conflicts with competing areas.
• Participating in the work of technical committees in the framework of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) and the Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG).
• Conducting studies to support ESA’s position in the above-mentioned groups.
• Performing technical studies and analyses related to frequency spectrum management and interference assessment.
• Developing software tools to conduct sharing and compatibility analysis between ITU services (typically based on STK, Excel, MATLAB or Python), in line with ITU Radio Regulations and Recommendations.
• Reporting on frequency management matters and contributing to reports to delegate bodies.
• Closely cooperating with the ESA Frequency Management Office, including while interfacing with external bodies (e.g. for WRC preparatory activities), supporting EO missions with their frequency filing and conducting interference analysis.
• Defining and carrying out industrial activities to increase the competitiveness of European industry and its readiness to tackle future challenges in aspects related to spectrum usage and interference mitigation.

When performing these tasks, you will have close contact with representatives of industry and other space agencies.

Technical competencies

• Experience in frequency management for Earth observation
• Experience with the ITU, CEPT and the WRC process
• Experience with ITU Radio Regulations
• Knowledge of microwave remote sensing techniques and communication systems for EO missions
• Experience in analysis and simulation of complex systems
• Experience in implementing and driving R&D and/or industrial activities for frequency management
• Experience in working in international environments, including with non-European partners

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• At least three years of experience in frequency management.
• This position requires frequent travel to participate in frequency management international forums, technical committees and working groups (e.g. ITU WRC, CEPT or SFCG), including attendance of meetings lasting several weeks.
• You will be expected to be able to contribute to a dynamic and creative environment in the preparatory phases of EO missions. You should have good interpersonal skills and be able to work and interact within small teams as well as autonomously. Experience of working in a team/project environment is desirable. You should be thorough in your approach and open to innovation, be able to work independently, and have good communication skills.

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.