Antenna Engineer (2 Positions)

In the Antennas and Submillimetre Waves Section, Radio Frequency Payloads and Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, you will support ESA projects across navigation, Earth observation, telecommunications/secure connectivity, human and robotic exploration, and launchers, while contributing to R&D in space antenna systems, submillimetre wave instruments and associated technologies.

The Antennas and Submillimetre Waves Section covers:

• analysis, engineering, radio frequency modelling and design tool developments of standalone antennas (ground and space), as well as interference effects among antennas and with the spacecraft structure or other platforms, such as aircraft, trains and vehicles;
• design and analysis of all antenna (active and passive) subsystems, including standalone radiators, arrays, reflectors, lens optics, dichroics and their associated focal planes;
• analysis, engineering, radio frequency modelling and design tool developments of instrument architecture, antennas, front-end technology and components for submillimetre wave applications.

Description

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of space antenna systems, submillimetre wave instruments and associated technologies 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;
• partially supporting other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Experience with the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods
• Project support experience in a relevant domain
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as statements of work and proposal evaluation
• Experience in the development and verification (laboratory or field testing) of relevant technical equipment and space hardware

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in Telecommunications or electrical engineering with a comprehensive background in electromagnetic wave theory is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

Solid industrial experience in antenna and/or submillimetre wave architectures and technologies as applied to aerospace programmes is an asset.

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.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.