R&D Engineer for EU PNT Systems

About the role

R&D Coordinator for EU PNT Systems in the GNSS Evolution Upstream R&D Implementation Office, Galileo and EGNOS Evolution Division, Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department, Directorate of Navigation.

The Galileo and EGNOS Evolution Division is responsible for defining, consolidating and implementing innovative technology and supporting research and development for the next generations of operational systems for the European Union (EU PNT satellite systems).

You will contribute directly to defining and shaping the future of European multi-layer satellite navigation operational systems, such as EU PNT with EGNOS, Galileo, and other infrastructures of the EU space programmes contributing to PNT, in particular aspects relating to systems and signals, with the definition and implementation of a comprehensive and impactful programme of research and development involving cutting-edge technologies and concepts, such as the evolution of the EU PNT system concept over multiple orbits of the EU Space Programme, new signals and frequency allocation for EU PNT, PRS technologies, advanced systems and architectures, and the protection of space assets and RFI monitoring.

Duties

In the role of R&D Coordinator, your general tasks will include:

• Coordinating the definition and implementation of multi-annual technology development plans in support of future ESA programmes;
• Ensuring consistency with ESA’s technology management processes and contributing to internal and external coordination frameworks;
• Interfacing with stakeholders at all levels, supporting harmonisation efforts and strategic alignment across ESA, Member States, the European Union and industry;
• Supporting ESA participation in joint working groups and inter-institutional coordination platforms;
• Supporting technology readiness assessments and the integration of new developments into future system concepts;
• Overseeing the tracking and reporting of technology implementation status using internal processes and tools;
• Organising and contributing to regular implementation reviews and working groups;
• Preparing formal reports, plans and recommendations for internal decision-making bodies and external stakeholders.

In this specific position, you will be responsible for:

• Defining, managing and supporting R&D activities relating to system, signal and PRS aspects for EU PNT evolutions arranged under Horizon Europe upstream GNSS R&D programmes, including technical monitoring and reporting of GNSS evolutions, in coordination with:

Key interfaces

• the Galileo System and EGNOS Offices (system, space segment, ground segment, security);
• the programmes and teams in the Directorate supporting the preparation of future European PNT infrastructures, in particular for EU LEO-PNT;
• experts from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

• Leading and coordinating technical activities for the evolution of the operational space systems of EU PNT, such as:

• assessing candidate evolutions of EU PNT system concepts, apportionment of mission and system drivers among segments (space, ground and user segments), and associated system engineering (phase 0/A/B1) and technology activities with industry;
• participation in signal and spectrum evolutions for RNSS and other relevant systems, such as NTN, terrestrial PNT systems, new ITU allocations and support for associated filing activities;
• supporting stakeholders, including internal stakeholders, the European Commission and relevant bodies of user communities from Member States, on mission- and system-level aspects, as well as providing support to the Commission in the context of international working groups and standardisation.

• Supporting the identification and definition of novel R&D activities for future EU PNT satellite systems, including:

• surveys of the relevant state of the art and the formulation of technological evolution roadmaps for possible implementation;
• the coordination of relevant technology R&D activities as implemented in other ESA programmes, in related activities at Commission level, and in third-party programmes, such as national programmes or programmes implemented by other international institutions.

Technical competencies

• Experience with industrial procurement and development, verification processes and the conduct of reviews;
• Experience in implementing and driving R&D and/or industrial activities, as well as knowledge of ESA technology programmes;
• Several years of experience in space systems and technologies for one or more of: GNSS, PRS, governmental satellite systems, satcom systems, PNT signals and spectrum;
• Several years of experience with industrial procurement and development, and the conduct of reviews, in relation to operational space systems, in particular in early phases (0/A/B1);
• Knowledge of the space-related industrial landscape and the ability to define technology development roadmaps identifying future trends in technology requirements.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline is required.

Additional requirements

You must have good analytical, organisational and reporting skills, a proactive attitude to problem-solving, and an interest in innovative technologies. You should demonstrate responsible decision-making and be able to work and communicate effectively in a team setting.

The following will be considered assets:

• a well-developed system view and solid knowledge of technologies appropriate for hybrid PNT solutions;
• solid knowledge or experience of satcom signals and standards, for example NTN, as well as of satcom payload architecture and technologies;
• experience in international agencies and programmes.

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.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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.

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.