Microelectronics Engineer (2 Positions)

ESA is seeking a Microelectronics Engineer (2 Positions) in the Microelectronics Section, Data Systems, Microelectronics and Components Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Microelectronics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field of integrated circuits (ASICs, ASSPs, FPGAs, microprocessors and microcontrollers).

Description

Microelectronics Engineer in the Microelectronics Section, Data Systems, Microelectronics and Components Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Duties

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

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of microelectronics implementation of digital signal processing algorithms in front-ends, wireline and wireless interfaces, converters, FPGAs, microprocessors, microcontrollers and IP cores throughout all project phases;
• analysing and profiling the implementation of digital signal processing algorithms for spacecraft payload and platform functions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, exploration, transportation and science;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and 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 design;
• conducting 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.

Your duties may also include 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 development of digital signal processing algorithms for telecommunications, navigation, synthetic aperture radar, image/video processing and/or artificial intelligence applications
• Experience in the definition, development and verification of space microelectronics for satellite platforms and payloads, including instruments, telecommunications and/or navigation units, on-board computers, remote terminal units, power units and/or control units
• Project support experience for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, space transportation, science and/or exploration missions
• Experience in the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods
• Hands-on laboratory testing and measurement experience
• Experience in the preparation of development roadmaps, procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal preparation and evaluation, etc.)
• Experience in the planning, management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Telecommunication, Electronics and/or Microelectronics is required for this post together with 10 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

You should have at least 10 years of experience in the end-to-end design, system integration and testing of ICs and/or FPGAs as well as reusable IP cores.

In particular, competences in the following domains are required:

• Digital signal multi-rate processing, adaptive filtering, spectral analysis, spread spectrum, convolution, correlation, error correction, transforms, up/down conversion, modulation and/or detection;
• Digital FPGA and/or ASIC design, simulation, synthesis, layout and tools;
• Microelectronics system design definition, analysis and development for integrated circuits and FPGAs from high-level application domain requirements;
• Integrated circuit functional, electrical and environmental testing.

Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in two or more of the following microelectronics areas related to the position:

• Analogue and digital signal processing for communication, radar, GNSS, image and video sensors, instrumentation and/or power;
• RISC-V and ARM processor instruction set architectures (ISA) and their extensions;
• Artificial intelligence, GNSS and/or image/video processor architectures;
• System-level modelling and hardware/software co-design with MATLAB, SystemC and/or SystemVerilog;
• Programming in C, C++ and Python.

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.