System Engineer

Join ESA, the European Space Agency, as a System Engineer in the CubeSat Systems Unit, In-Orbit Technology Demonstration and Validation Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The CubeSat Systems Unit is responsible for the project management and system engineering of CubeSat satellite missions for in-orbit technology demonstrations implemented within the Directorate and delegated by other directorates. The Unit also provides technical support to programme directorates as required in the area of CubeSat systems.

Description

System Engineer in the CubeSat Systems Unit, In-Orbit Technology Demonstration and Validation Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Duties

You will report to the Head of Unit and, within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Managing and leading the system engineering of your assigned in-orbit demonstration CubeSat projects in all phases from conception to post-flight review.
• Leading the preparation, procurement and implementation of the industrial activities for your assigned CubeSat projects, ensuring delivery within programmatic constraints, including budget and schedule, and to tailored engineering and quality standards.
• Coordinating specialised engineering and product assurance support from within the ESA Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and the Directorate of Operations to your assigned CubeSat projects in order to continuously and proactively manage risks and related mitigation actions.
• Providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in system engineering for in-orbit demonstration and CubeSat systems throughout all project phases.
• Participating in CDF studies, feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluations of procurement proposals.
• Contributing to the Unit’s lessons learned process in order to continuously improve processes and working approaches for CubeSat project management and system engineering.
• Contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency's Technology programmes.
• Initiating and managing R&D activities covering long- and short-term needs in CubeSat systems for in-orbit demonstration.
• Monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends in CubeSat systems and technologies, maintaining state-of-the-art expertise, and proposing new innovative IOD mission concepts for study.
• Supporting other activities within your field of competence as required.

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position.
• Spacecraft systems knowledge.
• Space project experience in phases A–D, preferably in CubeSat or other small satellite projects.
• Hands-on space hardware experience.
• Understanding of space technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape.
• Experience in managing and monitoring industrial activities, and participation in project reviews.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in aerospace engineering or a major scientific discipline is required for this post together with four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience may be considered.

Additional requirements

• Experience in space projects, including a background in spacecraft system or subsystem design, engineering and AIV aspects.
• Specific knowledge of CubeSat systems and related miniaturised technologies, technology demonstration projects and industrial experience.
• Experience in deep space missions, close proximity operations or distributed systems (e.g. constellations or swarms) would be considered an asset.

Important information

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, 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.