Photonic EEEE Engineer

Photonic EEEE Engineer in the Components Section, Avionics and EEE Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

The Components Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field of electrical, electronic, electromechanical and electro-optical (EEEE) components with a strong focus on technologies and processes, development and reliability as well as on ground qualification activities. In addition, the Section is responsible for ESCC (European Space Component Coordination).

You will provide support in the areas of:

• photonic EEEE components (laser diodes, photo diodes, LEDs, optical fibre, passive optical components, etc.);
• detectors (CCDs, CMOS sensors, IR detectors, etc.).

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of photonic and detector EEEE throughout all project phases;
• 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, with an emphasis on innovative concepts and cutting-edge technologies;
• supporting technology domain-related standardisation activities (e.g. ESCC, ECSS);
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• initiating and monitoring laboratory activities including preparation of test plans and review of test reports;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise.

Technical competencies

• General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Hands-on hardware experience
• Project support experience in a relevant domain
• Experience with laboratory or field testing of relevant technical equipment
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation, etc.)
• Experience in the 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 physics, electronics engineering, photonics, optoelectronics, microelectronics or a related discipline is required for this post together with, in principle, 4 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• Professional experience with space projects and products would be an asset.
• A PhD in a related discipline would be 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 & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

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.