Lead QKD Payload & User Segment Engineer

Join ESA’s SAGA Project: Lead QKD Payload & User Segment Engineering

Description

The SAGA Project, within the Satellite Programmes Department in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications, is focused on developing and deploying the EuroQCI 1st Generation space component (space and related ground/user segment) for preliminary QKD service validation. ESA contributes to the development of the European Commission’s EuroQCI primarily through the ESA Secure And cryptoGrAphic (SAGA) mission, with a focus on advancing critical QKD technologies by European industry up to preliminary service validation.

As QKD Payload and User Segment Lead, you will be responsible for developing a long-term partnership with industry partners by fostering reliable technical collaboration, steering innovation developments, and digitalisation procurement.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the management of industrial activities related to the QKD chain, both space segment and ground, by leading the specification, design, procurement, development, and verification/acceptance of the chain and its equipment throughout the project lifetime.
• Monitoring the industrial progress and design evolution of the QKD chain and its equipment, ensuring it remains consistent with the technical and programmatic requirements.
• Monitoring industrial development and verification activities to ensure proper verification, including resolving non-conformances and supporting the assessment of deviations and waivers.
• Coordinating with PA, System, and Security leads during development, integration, and testing activities for the resolution of activity deviations.
• Providing regular reporting to project management, and identifying technical risk areas, proposing and monitoring mitigation measures.
• Contributing to the management of the schedule and proposing schedule risk mitigation actions within the area of responsibility.
• Monitoring the industrial preparation for in-orbit QKD, in-flight spacecraft commissioning, and service provision in collaboration with project teams and ground teams, as necessary.

In the execution of the above tasks, you will be supported by and functionally manage the specialised engineering support from the ESA Technology, Engineering, Quality, and Operations Directorates.

Technical competencies

• Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of equipment qualification, satellite design, and assembly integration & test
• Knowledge of ESA and mission/spacecraft development, verification, and procurement processes
• Significant relevant experience in ESA space systems development, verification, and project review processes
• Understanding of system requirements and interfaces for space projects
• Understanding of industrial costs, schedule, and project risk management processes

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's in a relevant engineering or scientific domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have the ability to adapt to new working methods and environments. You must be able to build supportive working relationships, communicate effectively, and contribute to fostering positive attitudes to change and, thus, to the success of an innovative programme.

• Strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day challenges proactively and constructively
• The ability to anticipate risks and identify the need for additional expert support in a timely manner
• Understanding of and experience in tailoring space standards
• The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused
• Previous project experience and, in particular, technical competence in QKD technology is a distinct asset
• People management experience is an asset, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities

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 and 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, 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.