Experiment System Engineer

Experiment System Engineer

Join the Planetary Exploration and Solar Systems Missions Section (SCI-FEP) within the PRODEX Office (SCI-FE), Future Missions Department (SCI-F), Directorate of Science.

PRODEX is an optional programme dedicated to the development of scientific instruments and experiments for space science missions. Within the PRODEX Office, the Planetary Exploration and Solar Systems Missions Section (SCI-FEP) is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of PRODEX activities related to solar and planetary exploration ESA missions, and the ISS. Developments in other domains of activities handled by the Office may also be entrusted to the section, including Extrasolar planetary Sciences and Earth-observation developments. Support to studies and developments for Astrophysics missions may also be considered.

The Future Missions Department is responsible for preparing future missions and implementing Small / Fast missions within the Directorate of Science, e.g., SMILE, Comet-Interceptor, ARRAKIHS.

Duties

You will be responsible for implementing and monitoring several PRODEX activities assigned to you, with an emphasis on scientific space Instrumentation development. The developments may involve industry and/or scientific institutes and may cover either a full instrument or instrument subsystems contributions.

Specific duties include:

• Establishing the overall work programme for the development of PRODEX experiments within the scientific institutes, in line with the instructions from the relevant delegations.
• Monitoring technical, schedule, and financial status of experiment developments, identifying potential problem areas and proposing remedial actions.
• Assisting in coordination with scientific institutes and project teams, in preparing tender documents, participating in proposal evaluations, preparing for contract negotiations, and subsequently monitoring the end-to-end development of projects/activities contracted to industrial consortiums.
• Supporting the review of project implementation proposals and implementing new development activities as assigned.
• Liaising between scientific institutes and industry for the duration of the contracts; interfacing with internal ESA project teams or specialists on technical/programmatic matters and with the relevant financial and procurement experts on financial and contractual matters.
• Acting as the focal point for technical and administrative interfaces between the PRODEX experiments and your Head of Section.
• Regular reporting to your line manager on the status of the activities and any difficulties encountered, including written input as requested.

Technical Competencies

• System Engineering and AIV
• Hands-on Scientific (Space) hardware development experience
• Design, development, and verification of Scientific (Space) Instrumentation including optics, detection and electronic sub-systems, mechanical and thermal aspects
• Management of industrial activities, including reviews
• Knowledge of cost and schedule elements of hardware development contracts
• Experience in managing scientific space hardware developments with multiple interfaces (PI, scientific consortium, project, industry)

Behavioural Competencies

• Results Orientation
• Operational efficiency
• Fostering cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous improvement
• Forward thinking

Additional Requirements

You should also demonstrate an ability to:

• Apply a systems-oriented approach to each project and partner, considering technical, financial and schedule aspects.
• Proactively engage with and coordinate a diverse range of internal technical experts.
• Collaborate with external partners including scientific institutes/industry, while considering programmatic constraints.
• Anticipate problems before they escalate and propose solutions that align with the overall goals of the PRODEX Office.
• Show flexibility in dealing with day-to-day operational challenges, while demonstrating strong planning and organisational skills.
• Show a high level of motivation and dedication, taking ownership and act proactively.
• Work independently while providing regular feedback to your line manager, seeking support where necessary.
• Clearly and convincingly present complex technical issues, thanks to your excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

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 via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). If the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

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

Applications can only be considered from nationals of 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, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States.

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.