Systems Engineer for Space Missions

Join ESA as a Systems Engineer for Space Missions in the Concurrent Engineering and Future Missions Section, Future Engineering Division, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

You will be working in the Future Engineering Division, which is responsible for developing and providing engineering expertise, tools, methods and standards for the development of future projects in support of the Agency’s programme directorates.

The team you will join works on the following main activities:

• Performing Phase 0/A studies at the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) to assess the technical and programmatic feasibility of future ESA missions in terms of cost, risks and schedule;
• Providing expert systems engineering support to ESA programmes and projects across all development phases;
• Supporting technology programmes with systems and concurrent engineering methodologies and tools, including MBSE, and collaborating with teams working on AR/XR, AI, end-of-life management such as the zero debris approach, de-orbiting technologies, design for demise, in-orbit servicing, eco-design or life cycle assessments, and other cutting-edge technology that enhances the efficient and competitive implementation of future missions;
• Providing technical support to small spacecraft projects for technology demonstration and/or education, and conducting Concurrent Engineering Challenge activities and training initiatives at the ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Facility at the ESEC-Galaxia centre;
• Designing and developing models, databases, tools and architectures to support and enhance systems and cost engineering practices, methodologies and applications across various disciplines, project phases and organisations.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

Supporting ESA projects and programmes

• Working in the field of systems engineering and introducing novel systems engineering solutions that target process optimisation, including MBSE and digital engineering;
• Contributing to the definition of early project phases, as well as providing support throughout all project phases.

Participating in concurrent engineering activities at the CDF

• Contributing to the design of future ESA missions;
• Conducting and/or leading feasibility studies and multidisciplinary activities in the role of Systems Engineer and/or Team Leader;
• Proposing, developing and encouraging novel applications of the concurrent engineering approach.

Supporting technology programmes

• Proposing, defining, initiating and managing R&D activities in your area of competence in the fields of systems engineering, concurrent engineering and digital engineering;
• Supporting the definition and harmonisation of R&D roadmaps and related work plans for the definition and implementation of the ESA technology strategy aiming to enhance the efficient and competitive implementation of future missions.

Other activities

• Helping to promote systems and concurrent engineering across ESA, as well as to its partners and stakeholders;
• Contributing to the capture, management and transfer of knowledge and lessons learned across the Agency;
• Contributing to the evolution of systems engineering standards.

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position;
• Project support experience in systems engineering;
• Understanding of space systems architectures;
• Spacecraft systems design;
• Systems engineering, in particular in the early project phases;
• System engineering and understanding of system requirements and interfaces;
• Management of industrial activities including reviews;
• Experience with space engineering standards, and their preparation and implementation;
• Experience across the full project lifecycle would be an asset.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in engineering or physics is required for this post together with five years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

Required knowledge

• Solid background in space mission and systems design;
• Proven experience in systems engineering applied to space projects;
• Ability to work independently and establish excellent working relations within the Agency and with external partners and industries.

Assets

• Technical domains interfacing with your area of responsibility;
• Model-based systems engineering methodologies and tools;
• Domains in the Clean Space field, such as de-orbiting technologies, design for demise and eco-design.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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.