Robotics Systems Engineer

In the Robotics Section, Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, the Robotics Systems Engineer / Robotics Engineer provides engineering expertise within the robotics domain.

The Robotics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of space robotics systems, from manipulators to autonomous vehicles, and laboratory testing in support of automation and robotics in manned and unmanned missions. The Section specialises in system engineering of space automation and robotics systems.

Space robotics is a highly multidisciplinary area that depends heavily on the underlying space disciplines of structures, mechanisms, avionics, on-board software, ground operations and communication. Bringing all these disciplines closely together in a single system that moves and interacts physically with its environment, and with humans with a certain degree of autonomy, creates a complexity that constitutes in itself a new discipline. System engineering of space automation and robotics systems is the discipline of specifying, designing and ultimately validating space automation and robotic systems that fulfil utilisation needs under defined environmental and operational constraints.

The Robotics Engineer provides functional support to ESA projects, manages R&D activities, advances technology development, contributes to the Agency's technology programs, fosters innovation, and supports knowledge sharing and standardization efforts to ensure quality, consistency, and the effective transfer of knowledge across the Agency. The Robotics Engineer may also be responsible for laboratory activities, if applicable.

Description

Robotics Engineer in the Robotics Section, Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Duties

The elements below highlight the types of responsibilities and tasks that a Robotics Engineer can carry out when supporting space projects and programs at ESA. Your specific duties will be further defined depending on the final appointment.

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, the main tasks and responsibilities will include:

1. Technical expertise and project support

• Providing technical expertise, functional support, and consultancy in the technical domain of space robotics to the Agency's project teams responsible for the development of space systems and segments throughout all project phases.
• Contributing to the design, development, verification, and testing of a (sub)system to meet its technical requirements and integrate into the overall space systems and segments.
• Identifying critical development problems and supporting their resolution.
• Applying relevant engineering standards and methods to ensure quality and consistency.
• Providing technical expertise to feasibility studies, project reviews, and evaluation of procurement proposals.

2. R&D management, technology, and innovation development

• Defining and initiating R&D activities in a specific technical domain for both long- and short-term needs.
• Managing R&D activities in collaboration with industry, including the development of requirements, Statements of Work, evaluation of proposals, contract oversight, and participation in reviews.
• Contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans in the Agency's technological programs.
• Exploring multidisciplinary application areas, focusing on innovative concepts and advanced technologies.
• Monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise.

3. Knowledge sharing and standardization

• Contributing to the dissemination of results and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency through active knowledge-sharing efforts.
• Supporting knowledge-sharing efforts and initiatives, in particular related to the technical field.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement and evolution of engineering best practices and standards.

4. Laboratory activities

• Managing laboratory maintenance and operations, including quality and infrastructure management as required.
• Leading and performing laboratory activities, including testing of relevant (sub)systems, instruments, and equipment, as required.
• Leading and supporting field test activities to validate and verify robot systems of R&D and project origin.

Duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of expertise.

Technical competencies

• General background and understanding of related technologies (SotA and foresight), missions (ongoing and plans), R&D trends, roadmaps and the industrial landscape in the technical domains of space automation and robotics.
• Experience in engineering design, development, verification and validation means and processes used in space robotics.
• Consolidated experience in planetary and/or orbital robotics missions.
• Experience in technology development.
• Preparation of procurement activities for R&D&I (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation, etc.) and managing/leading activities.
• Ability to identify needs and implement new technologies.
• Experience with laboratory and field/environment testing of robotic systems.
• Management of the test campaign process, from planning to operating facilities and resources, and evaluation of results.
• Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews.
• Assessment of external activities to meet technical requirements and follow quality standards.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline together with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Consolidated experience in the design, development, testing, verification, and validation of robotics systems for space missions, including the application of relevant engineering standards and processes during all mission phases up to acceptance before launch.
• Experience in R&D activities (at lower TRLs), alongside the project support experience described above, will be considered an asset.

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.

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, 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.