System Engineer

About this role

As a Systems Engineer in the Small Satellite Unit/In-Orbit Technology Demonstration and Validation Division/Systems Department/Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, you will contribute to the project management and systems engineering of small satellite missions for technological research and development (R&D), and provide functional support to other in-orbit demonstration projects based on small satellites in other ESA programmes.

Duties

You will report to the Head of Unit, and your responsibilities will include, for the small satellite projects implemented or supported by the Unit:

• Contributing to the management of the industrial development/service contracts (budget, schedule and risks) and/or internal activities.
• Leading the specification, design, procurement, development, and verification/acceptance of spacecraft, platform and equipment hardware throughout the project lifetime, from ITT to flight commissioning.
• Consolidating and maintaining all system budgets throughout the project life cycle.
• Leading a team of engineers and specialised engineering support from the ESA Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate and from the Operations Directorate.
• Monitoring the industrial progress and design evolution at spacecraft, platform and equipment levels, ensuring it remains consistent with the technical and programmatic requirements.
• Monitoring industrial verification activities to ensure proper verification, including resolving non-conformances, and supporting the assessment of deviations and waivers.
• Coordinating with PA and AIT during integration and testing activities for the resolution of activity deviations.

Other duties will include:

• Providing expert technical support and consultancy on ESA small satellite projects and programmes.
• Participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and proposal evaluations.
• Supporting the implementation of the Zero Debris Policy.
• Participating in CDF studies as Systems Engineer, as required.
• As required and in line with anticipated technology trends and project needs, defining, promoting and implementing the Section’s contributions to ESA technology programmes and R&D activities.

Technical competencies

• General background and experience in relevant technical domains.
• Space project experience (small satellites and/or CubeSats) would be desirable.
• Knowledge of spacecraft systems.
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and industrial landscape.
• Experience in managing and monitoring industrial activities.
• Experience in project phases A/B/C/D.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

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

Additional requirements

• Experience in space projects, including spacecraft system or subsystem design, engineering and verification.
• Knowledge of small spacecraft and technology demonstration projects.
• Hands-on experience in design, development and verification of satellite subsystems.

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 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

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, Cyprus, 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.