Junior Professional in Constellation Mission Analysis - Future Navigation Systems

Join ESA as a Junior Professional in Constellation Mission Analysis - Future Navigation Systems

This post is part of ESA’s Junior Professional Programme. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates with up to 2–3 years of relevant professional experience after their Master's degree to join ESA for a four-year assignment. During this time, you will be actively working and learning on the job and will benefit from valuable mobility and developmental opportunities that will prepare you for a successful career at ESA. Subject to performance, it is therefore the intention to offer you an indefinite contract which will start at the end of the four years.

The selection process for the 2025 cohort of Junior Professionals will take place during Spring 2025, with a projected start date in October or November 2025.

Recruitment will take place at the A1 grade. At the end of the fourth year and if you are offered an indefinite contract at the end of your Junior Professional assignment, you will be upgraded to the A2 grade.

Developmental assignments form an integral part of the JP Programme and may entail a temporary relocation to another ESA establishment or other location.

Description

Junior Professional in Constellation Mission Analysis for Navigation Missions in the Galileo Constellation Mission Analysis Unit, Galileo System Engineering Service, Galileo Programme Office, Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department, Directorate of Navigation (D/NAV).

The Galileo Constellation Mission Analysis Unit is in charge of constellation deployment, replenishment and mission analysis activities for Navigation missions. The Unit consists of a team of ESA experts complemented with industry resources.

Duties

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Galileo Constellation Mission Analysis Unit, you will be involved in constellation design, deployment, replenishment and mission analysis tasks for Navigation missions. Your work will focus on Future Navigation missions, including the design of future LEO constellations for positioning, navigation and timing. To achieve these objectives, you will leverage the Galileo Constellation Mission Analysis Unit’s software infrastructure and expertise. You will cooperate closely with the Future Navigation Team and liaise with other teams in D/NAV. Your tasks will include:

• performing the necessary analyses to support trade-offs on constellation geometry definition, satellite launch and operational orbit acquisition, including electric orbit raising, orbit station keeping, collision avoidance strategy, including satellite autonomy trade-off, and end-of-life satellite disposal;
• overseeing the definition and implementation of constellation mission analysis critical requirements over the entire mission life cycle, from LEOP through satellite end of life and disposal, to ensure required mission performances;
• defining the Deployment, Maintenance and Replenishment Plan to fulfil mission objectives, taking into account satellite deployment constraints, satellite reliability, spare policy and satellite and launcher procurement plans;
• driving the mission Disposal Orbit Strategy, ensuring compliance with space debris regulations and long-term orbit exploitability;
• coordinating the tasks carried out by industry teams in the domain of mission analysis and constellation replenishment to achieve the above objectives;
• performing development and maintenance of constellation mission analysis and constellation replenishment tools to enable the analyses needed to accomplish the tasks described above;
• participating in critical operations, such as LEOP, manoeuvre campaigns and satellite anomaly investigations, as part of the ESA Project Team;
• generating lessons learned and contributing to the knowledge management initiatives within the Directorate of Navigation.

Development programme

In addition to your daily work, you will take part in an extensive learning and development programme. From day one, you will learn on the job and benefit from tailored development opportunities, including participation in technical and key skills training courses.

Furthermore, there is a mobility component to the Junior Professional Programme that can be either an internal rotation to another team within ESA, an external secondment outside of ESA or a combination of both. Internal rotations aim to boost your professional experience and knowledge of the European Space Agency, whereas external secondments aim to boost your professional experience and knowledge of the European space sector.

This programme represents a significant investment by ESA in your personal and professional development and is designed to provide you with the required knowledge and skills for a career at ESA. You can expect to be given many opportunities to develop your professional experience and competencies, to learn from ESA experts and to contribute to ESA activities.

Technical competencies

• Experience in the design, deployment, maintenance and replenishment of satellite constellations
• Experience in mission and spacecraft design
• Experience in mission analysis
• Experience in astrodynamics software development
• Knowledge of ESA space system development, verification and review processes and standards

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in aerospace engineering or another relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have between two and three years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant domain, after completion of your Master's degree.

A background in GNSS Phase C/D projects and system engineering is considered an asset.

A background in space system design, manufacturing and testing is considered a further asset.

Knowledge of modern computer systems, programming languages and constellation mission analysis is required.

A deep understanding of constellation-related aspects of satellite navigation systems is required.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills. You should have the ability to work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse, international team environment, defining and implementing solutions in line with team and individual objectives and project deadlines. You should also have good technical, analytical, organisational and reporting skills, a proactive attitude to solving problems and an interest in innovative technologies.

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
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions 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, 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 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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.