Harness Engineer

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.

Description

Harness Engineer in the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Harness Section, Power Systems, EMC and Space Environments Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Harness Section supports space projects in all application domains, including science, Earth observation, human space flight and robotic exploration, navigation, telecommunications and space transportation. The Section is the focal point for electrical harness engineering.

The Section’s EMC laboratory features an anechoic chamber for conducted and radiated testing and facilities for magnetic cleanliness tests. In addition to laboratory testing, the Section performs analytical and numerical analysis. Moreover, it is responsible for research and development (R&D) activities on EMC and harness engineering for space applications.

Duties

You will report to the Head of Section and, within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

• Providing expert harness engineering support to ESA projects throughout all phases of their development cycle, including definition and analysis of requirements at system level as well as at harness and equipment interface level
• Performing design and acceptance reviews and assessments
• Actively participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals
• Identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution
• Reviewing and assessing harness manufacturing and verification plans, procedures and reports
• Supporting laboratory activities as required
• Assessing test and analysis results, non-conformances, and requests for waivers and deviations
• Supporting troubleshooting activities for space equipment and systems
• Planning, defining, initiating and managing R&D activities for design, testing and modelling techniques under ESA’s research and technology programmes
• Fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures
• Monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise
• Supporting standardisation activities at ECSS and ESCC level in the harness domain
• Contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in harness and electrical engineering
• Hands-on experience with design, manufacturing, assembly, integration and verification/testing of electrical harness elements and assemblies
• Understanding of harness-related technologies, components, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Project support experience in the harness domain throughout all project phases
• Knowledge of harness standards and related aerospace engineering standards, including relevant ECSS and IPC standards
• Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews and procurement activities
• Experience with application of relevant methods and CAE and CAD software tools

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in Electrical Engineering (or other relevant engineering domain) is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• In-depth knowledge and experience in the field of harness engineering are required for this post, in particular electrical design aspects relevant to space harness assemblies, including derating, voltage drop and reliable insulation and their implementation and verification at hardware level.
• A strong background in the electrical testing of harness components and assemblies would be an asset.
• Experience with data bus technologies such as SpaceWire, MIL-Bus (MIL-STD-1553), CAN-Bus, SpaceFibre and Ethernet, and related harness implementation would be an asset.
• Expertise with electrical circuit or electromagnetic simulation would be an asset.
• Experience of working on ESA space projects and in large, international teams would be an asset.
• Ability to work in a team as well as independently, in addition to good communication skills.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and be 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 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, 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.