Propagation Engineer

Description

Propagation Engineer in the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section, RF Payloads and Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Wave Interaction and Propagation Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the fields of:

• wave propagation relevant to space communications, navigation and remote sensing;
• wave interaction for active, passive, and combined remote sensing of the ocean, land, and atmosphere of the Earth and other planets;
• in-situ characterisation of the interaction and propagation environment;
• data processing and data science techniques, simulation, and performance evaluation tools.

Specifically, the Section carries out:

• modelling and experimental validation;
• associated processing, mitigation, retrieval, correction, and calibration algorithms for product generation. For remote sensing, this includes algorithmic developments relevant to Lvl1 and Lvl2 ground processing;
• for remote sensing, design and validation of on-board processing functions and algorithms for payload data products, image processing, and optical payload data compression;
• related end-to-end performance assessment, including contributions to product quality monitoring and improvement.

Duties

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

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes, and general studies throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews, and evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency's technology programmes;
• defining, initiating, and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies, and system architectures;
• laboratory activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining a state-of-the-art expertise;
• 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 area of competence.

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Experience with the design, development, and application of relevant tools and methods

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends, and the industrial and scientific landscape

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience with laboratory or field campaigns

Experience in the preparation and management of industrial and scientific activities, including participation in reviews

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Experience in wave propagation modelling relevant to telecoms and/or navigation
• Knowledge of telecoms and navigation concepts, including signal structure, and awareness of related remote sensing concepts
• Experience in the development of propagation channel models
• Strong experience in the characterisation of the propagation environment for navigation and for mobile telecoms, including the derivation of environment-related requirements for navigation receivers and reference stations
• Experience in defining and using performance simulation tools and in conducting simulations and end-to-end performance analyses
• Experience in defining and implementing laboratory tests and propagation campaigns
• Experience in a project environment working on procurement and monitoring of industrial activities

Particular importance will be placed on your ability to interact with both the science and the engineering community.

A PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline would be considered advantageous.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore 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). However, 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 for 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, which will be 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.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: 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 and 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.