Aeolus-2 Lead Space Segment Engineer

Lead Space Segment Engineer for Aeolus-2 Satellite

Join the team at ESA as the Lead Space Segment Engineer for the Aeolus-2 satellite, part of the meteorological programmes in the Earth Observation Projects Department. This role offers the opportunity to work on a successor to the successful Aeolus Earth Explorer mission, in collaboration with EUMETSAT, for a series of two satellites.

The Aeolus-2 programme was approved at the ESA Council meeting in November 2022. With Phase A2/B1 concluded, preparations for Phase B2/C/D/E procurement are underway along with various technology pre-development activities.

Responsibilities

As part of your role, you will report to the Aeolus-2 Engineering and AIT Manager and support both ongoing pre-developments and Phase B2/C/D/E procurement activities. You’ll play a crucial role in the space segment engineering during the development phases, with a focus on mechanical, thermal, and propulsion aspects for both the platform and payloads.

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the management of industrial activities by overseeing specifications, design, procurement, development, and verification/acceptance of spacecraft and platform hardware.
• Monitoring industrial progress and design evolution, ensuring alignment with technical and programmatic requirements.
• Assessing and reviewing space segment architecture and design, identifying options, trade-offs, and design/cost drivers.
• Conducting critical analysis and maintenance of satellite engineering budgets, investigating corrective actions as necessary.
• Coordinating thermo-mechanical aspects, including microvibrations, to meet project needs.
• Overseeing procurement of hardware, focusing on structural, thermal, and propulsion subsystems.
• Liaising with launcher interface coordination to ensure compatibility of the satellite with the selected launcher.
• Managing coordination of thermal, mechanical, and propulsion experts involved with Aeolus-2.
• Ensuring proper industrial verification activities, addressing non-conformances, and assessing deviations and waivers.
• Reporting regularly to project engineering and AIT management, identifying technical risk areas, and proposing mitigation measures.
• Managing schedules and suggesting risk mitigation actions.
• Collaborating with PA and AIT during integration and testing for activity deviation resolutions.
• Supporting interactions with delegations and partners as needed.
• Ensuring design, analysis, testing, and performance consistency with the Aeolus-2 Project Team.
• Assisting in preparation and implementation of major Aeolus-2 reviews and reviews at space segment and subsystem levels.

Technical Competencies

• Multi-disciplinary knowledge of satellite design, development, verification/testing, launch and in-orbit validation.
• Background in satellite engineering, with expertise in structural aspects, including microvibration, and thermal aspects.
• Experience in managing and monitoring industrial activities.
• Experience with ESA space systems development, verification, and review processes.
• Competence in complex project risk management processes.

Behavioural Competencies

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

For more details, refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Additional Requirements

Highlights of the ideal candidate's profile:

• A minimum of five years' experience in satellite design, development, verification/testing, launch, and in-orbit validation.
• Experience working in team settings within a project and coordinating cross-disciplinary topics.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with proven capabilities in relationship management and communication.
• Excellence in analytical, cognitive, delegation, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to anticipate problems and resolve complex issues, offering high-standard, solution-oriented decisions.

Experience in satellite development with optical payloads is an asset.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. Applications from all qualified individuals, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, or disability, are encouraged. We welcome people with disabilities and provide workplace support wherever possible. For assistance, contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information

Recruitment is primarily within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for the A1 level. Applicants must be eligible to access technology subject to European and US export control regulations.

During recruitment, ESA may conduct selection tests and require basic screening before appointment, in compliance with ESA security procedures. Note that ESO is transitioning to a Matrix setup which may influence this role.

Nationality and Languages

Applications are open to nationals from specific member states. Working languages at the Agency are English and French; proficiency in either is required, and knowledge of another language is an asset.