Systems Engineering Department (Reserve list)

This job opening is for the purposes of Reserve list recruitment on multiple positions.

ESA is initiating a Reserve list recruitment process to meet the consistently high demand for systems engineering support of the Agency’s cutting-edge space projects and programmes. ESA is looking for multiple Systems Engineers or Discipline Engineers to join the Systems Department and provide technical and engineering support to programmes and projects across the Agency. If selected, you will remain on the Reserve list for a period of 24 months, during which you will be fast-tracked for positions in upcoming projects. While inclusion in the Reserve list does not guarantee recruitment, it positions you as a valuable resource to fill ESA's future vacancies. When a relevant position arises, your candidacy will be reviewed. In that context, you may be invited to a brief follow-up interview and, if successful, an offer will be made.

Description

Under the direct authority of the Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality (TEC), the Systems Department provides programme directorates with an entry point to TEC and its systems engineering support for projects.

In particular, the Systems Department is responsible for providing engineering expertise in the following areas:

• End-to-end performance systems engineering;
• Space segment systems engineering;
• In-orbit technology demonstration and validation;
• Development of future engineering tools and processes (including artificial intelligence, sustainable engineering, simulation excellence and model-based systems engineering);
• The Agency’s cross-cutting and interdisciplinary initiatives as well as R&D prioritisation for the Technology Department (TEC-R);
• Coordination and management of standardisation.

In this context, we are looking for multiple Systems Engineers or Discipline Engineers to join the Systems Department and help provide technical and engineering support to programmes and projects across the Agency.

Duties

The types of responsibilities and tasks that a System Engineer may carry out when supporting space projects and programmes at ESA are given below. Your specific duties will be further defined depending on the final appointment.

End-To-End Systems Division (TEC-SE)

Responsible for supporting projects for the engineering of end-to-end (E2E) systems, the associated security aspects, E2E systems integration/verification activities (SIV) and service preparation.

• E2E generic engineering tools, processes and competences;
• All aspects of security engineering at system level, including cyber security, crypto, hardware and software security, link and data protection, frameworks, processes, vulnerability assessment, and countermeasures at system, element and application levels, including AI and quantum;
• Telecommunication and connectivity systems and techniques;
• Radio navigation and PNT systems and techniques, formation flying and RF metrology;
• E2E system communications for telemetry, telecommand and payload data dissemination, tracking, ranging, radio science and time transfer functions.

Responsibilities include the definition of concepts and algorithms, system/segment/payload-system architecture and trade-offs, performance and budget analysis, interfaces and data flows, design and processing of signal in space, networks and protocols for the ground-to-space and space-to-space links, for RF and optical systems.

Space Segment Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SY)

Responsible for supporting projects with space segment system engineering expertise, covering space platforms, systems payloads and the ground validation of the space segment. More specifically, responsibilities encompass the following:

• Platform system activities covering, among others, system design, trading and evaluation, requirements management including traceability, consistency, flow down to subsystem/unit level and internal/external interfaces, VCD, system budgets, coordination of verification activities, system FDIR definition and system mode management;
• Support for the operations concept, launch and in-flight commissioning, the implementation of space sustainability practices and policies, interdisciplinary and cross-cutting initiatives, and the development of future space platforms;
• Payload/instrument system activities including payload design at spacecraft level, interfacing with optical/RF architects, payload requirements management and support for payload AIV/AIT;
• Space segment system AIV/AIT activities covering all system level and payload verification aspects including assembly integration, environmental and functional testing;
• Preparation and support for launch campaigns, LEOP and commissioning;
• Development and verification processes, including real-time test bench technologies.

In-Orbit Technology Demonstration and Validation Division (TEC-SI)

Responsible for the definition and implementation of the in-orbit technology demonstration and validation strategy of the Agency, and in particular the following:

• Defining, implementing and managing in-orbit technology demonstration and validation missions in coordination with the Technology Department, the Agency and the various programmes;
• Supporting ESA programmes and the European Commission in the validation of commercial in-orbit services and technologies;
• Defining, implementing and managing innovative SmallSat/CubeSat missions pushing the frontiers of associated technology developments.

Future Engineering Division (TEC-SF)

Responsible for developing and providing the right engineering tools, methods and standards:

• Leading the Agency’s centre of excellence for artificial intelligence and processing technologies for space applications;
• Leading the centre of excellence for advanced simulation methods including scientific data processing and databases, software applications including human-computer interfaces, support for science operation centres and downstream applications;
• Supporting projects with the centre of competence in sustainability engineering for all areas related to clean space, life cycle analysis, ecodesign, zero debris, REACh and RoHS;
• Performing pre-Phase A mission and system design studies in support of programmes’ preparation of future missions, providing cost assessments and developing next generation methodologies including concurrent engineering (CDF), MBSE and the respective ontology;
• Supporting the evolution of ECSS, supported by all TEC departments and in full coordination with the various programmes across the Agency.

Finally, the TEC-S Department manages the operation of the corresponding technical laboratories and facilities, defines engineering standards and is responsible for the technology activities for the technical discipline areas of the Department.

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Project support experience in a relevant domain
• Experience with laboratory or field testing of relevant technical equipment
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation, etc.)
• Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
• Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.