Description
Earth Observation Technology Engineer in the Future Missions and Instruments Division of the Future Missions and Architecture Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP).
Duties
You will report to the Head of the Technology Coordination and Frequency Management Section. In the execution of your tasks, you will work in close cooperation with other staff members of the Future Missions and Instruments Division and the Future Missions and Architecture Department. You will also liaise with the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) and with the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).
Your duties will include responsibility for the following tasks related to Earth Observation (EO) technology:
- Identifying technology needs, based on space system requirements and general technology trends, for future EO missions and programmes, covering the whole spectrum (focusing on technologies for the platform and communications with the ground segment, but also in support of optical and RF instruments and other measurement techniques);
- Contributing to the establishment of the EO strategy on technology development coordination;
- Contributing to the EO technology observatory function outside the EOP Directorate (e.g. in TIA or SCI), and also outside ESA (e.g. other space agencies in Europe and worldwide, the European Commission, commercial initiatives for EO, and potential spin-in from other industrial sectors);
- Defining, initiating and managing technology development activities for the preparation of EO missions in coordination with other sections of the Division, other Directorate staff and with D/TEC and D/OPS, in particular for platform, communications with the ground segment and small satellites;
- Supporting missions undergoing preparation through participation in reviews, assessment of industrial results, evaluation of proposals in response to calls, etc.;
- Maintaining and improving the Earth Observation technology database to facilitate internal coordination within the Division and Department and with external actors;
- Monitoring and reporting the evolution of EO-relevant technologies through internal studies and follow-up of industrial activities within ESA and with Member States (e.g. through dedicated information days).
In the execution of these tasks, you will have close contact with representatives of industry and of other space agencies.
Technical competencies
- Knowledge of innovation-related processes
- Background in space engineering with systems orientation and end-to-end view of Earth Observation missions
- Knowledge of space platform, communications and EO payload technologies
- Familiarity with optical and/or microwave remote sensing techniques
- Experience in implementing and driving R&D and/or industrial activities for space technology development
Behavioural competencies
- Result Orientation
- Operational Efficiency
- Fostering Cooperation
- Relationship Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s or PhD in an engineering discipline or in applied physics is required.
Additional requirements
- Candidates are expected to be able to contribute to a dynamic and creative environment in preparatory phases of EO missions. They should have good interpersonal skills and be able to work and interact within small teams as well as autonomously. Experience of working in a team/project environment is desirable.
- Experience in spaceborne platform technologies, signal processing and familiarity with EO remote sensing techniques is an asset.
- Candidates should be thorough in their approach and open to innovation, be able to work independently and have good communication skills.