Optoelectronics Engineer

Optoelectronics Engineer at ESA

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of four years.

Description

Optoelectronics Engineer in the Optoelectronics Section, Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Optoelectronics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of optoelectronic device technologies and applications.

In particular, the Optoelectronics Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies.

The Section is staffed with around 20 engineers supporting all ESA projects and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the challenges relating to optoelectronic technologies required for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.

Duties

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

• providing technical expertise and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of photo-detectors, focal plane instrumentation development and testing techniques throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the 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 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 field of competence.

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position, i.e. detectors and imaging systems, ideally with visible, infrared and x-ray detectors and detection chains, including one or more of the following detector types: CCD, CMOS, MCT and InGaAs
• Experience with laboratory and field testing of relevant technical equipment and hands-on hardware experience in focal plane arrays and related front-end electronics
• Understanding of related technologies and R&D trends and familiarity with the industrial landscape
• Project support experience in a relevant domain
• Experience in the coordination and preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as statements of work and proposal evaluation

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant physical sciences or engineering discipline is required for this post.
Preference will be given to those applicants with a PhD.

Additional requirements

Solid experience in the design, definition, development and testing of photonic devices and detector imaging systems.

Knowledge of environmental testing of space hardware will be considered an asset.

Experience in providing Earth Observation and Science mission support in the field of detectors at system level, and in following critical R&D activities tailored for the specific needs of the mission, will be considered a strong asset.

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 to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the 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.