OpSTAR System Engineer

This role is for an OpSTAR System Engineer supporting the OpSTAR In-Orbit Demonstrator within the FutureNAV programme, implementing end-to-end infrastructure to validate a system concept based on optical links for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT).

Reporting to the OpSTAR Project Manager, you will be responsible for system engineering and operations activities for the implementation of the OpSTAR In-Orbit Demonstrator.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the implementation of the overall OpSTAR system engineering activities, focusing on the OpSTAR in-orbit-demonstrator (IOD) system architecture and design, system and segment requirements engineering and OpSTAR IOD internal and external interfaces.
• Supporting the definition and maintenance of mission or system end-to-end architecture, including interfaces between space segment and ground segment components, and interfaces with any external system, in cooperation with space segment and ground segment teams.
• Supporting the definition and maintenance of the mission or system operations concept, in cooperation with the operations team.
• Ensuring the mission or system end-to-end integration and testing, and the testing of its external interfaces.
• Identifying overall system design drivers and supporting the devising of technical trade-offs in support of the design process.
• Documenting and maintaining overall system technical budgets, and their allocation to space segment and ground segment components.
• Contributing to the definition of the OpSTAR IOD experimentation plan and supporting tools in preparation for the IOD campaigns.
• Contributing to the definition of the mission operations concept for the OpSTAR IOD to ensure consistency of the mission operations with the overall OpSTAR IOD mission objectives and the experimentation plan.
• Contributing to the technical definition and specification of the OpSTAR IOD operations.
• Supporting the OpSTAR project for the preparation of subsequent OpSTAR IOD phases in your areas of responsibility.
• Supporting the OpSTAR project procurement of future industrial activities.

When performing your duties, you will work in close collaboration with a team of specialists within the OpSTAR project, as well as from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and the Directorate of Operations.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of system engineering and the related processes
• Multidisciplinary knowledge of your area of responsibility
• Knowledge of other technical domains interfacing with your own area of responsibility, in particular verification, validation, system operations and security
• Knowledge of satellite navigation systems
• Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes
• Knowledge of Space system development and PA standards
• Experience of working in a project environment in industry or at ESA

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post along with four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience may be considered.

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, Cyprus, 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.