System AIV Engineer

System AIV Engineer

Description

Space Segment System AIV Engineer in the Space Segment AIV/AIT Engineering Section (TEC-SYA): our Section belongs to the Space Segment Systems Engineering Division, part of the Systems Department in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

You will work within the Space Segment AIV/AIT Engineering Section, a group of 30+ highly motivated experts providing support to ESA Projects in the AIV and Programmatic domains.

Our Section provides technical advice and support to Projects in the area of System Verification, from early phases up to Environmental Testing and Launch Campaigns. Our Team expertise is covering thermo-mechanical, electrical-functional and system AIV engineering domains.

As first assignment, you will provide functional support to the Argonaut Project as System AIV Engineer, then at its completion You will be reassigned to other Projects within the Agency. In the Argonaut Project, you will work in close cooperation with the project team members, supporting the Argonaut AIV/AIT and Launch Campaign Team Leader for all technical and programmatic AIV aspects under your responsibility.

Support to Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) studies and technological R&D will also be requested as ancillary assignment from Section side.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities as TEC-SYA team member will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies with respect to the AIV, AIT and programmatic domains throughout Projects’ lifetime;
• supporting the definition and implementation of a satellite verification programme, taking into account technical and programmatic requirements, adequacy of the models’ philosophy, suitability of integration and test facilities;
• proactively monitoring the satellite AIT activities and the industrial procurement activities related to spacecraft, ground support equipment and test facilities within the assigned project(s);
• supporting the preparation, organisation and execution of test campaigns at satellite system and subsystem levels;
• supporting preparation, organisation and execution of the launch campaign;
• supporting project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• participating in the development of engineering standards;
• supporting the definition of new ESA missions and feasibility studies in the CDF;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge within the Section and across the Agency.

You will also report to the Argonaut AIT/V and Launch Campaign team leader as functional manager on Project side. In particular, your support to Argonaut will focus on:

• supporting the review and the update of the verification plan(s) together with industry and ESA Project team, at system and subsystem levels, in particular reviewing the preliminary verification process associated to each requirement;
• coordinating the verification of the ESA top-level technical requirements and support relevant verification activities, ensuring their consistency with the overall mission design and performance requirements;
• supporting the AIT activities and in particular the tests activities part of the verification of requirements;
• supporting or chairing the Verification Control Board for the internal review and approval of the system verification documentation in coordination with the Engineering and Product Assurance team. Ensuring timely ESA feedback for verification closure evaluations. Coordinating with all stakeholders regarding the resolution of verification issues;
• identifying risks related to Requirements verification and propose mitigation actions accordingly;
• supporting the implementation of MBSE (model-based system engineering) in the Project for verification purpose, as applicable.

In addition, you will be:

• supporting the Argonaut AIT/V and Launch Campaign team with respect to AIT activities at system and subsystem level;
• supporting the Argonaut Engineering team, PA/QA and Mission teams with respect to AIV/AIT-related topics.

Your duties may also include support to other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

Comprehensive multi-disciplinary knowledge and experience in satellite design and development

Specific experience in Assembly, Integration, Verification and Testing of complex space systems, including active participation to test activities, with focus on System Verification

Experience in organising and supporting satellite-related industrial activities, including AIV schedule assessment, risk monitoring and participation to project reviews

Hands-on experience with satellite-related hardware

Knowledge of ECSS standards

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in aerospace engineering or relevant scientific discipline is required for this position.

Additional requirements

• Solid experience with Satellite Verification activities, AIT and environmental testing is required: active participation in at least one complete satellite test campaign is considered mandatory and support for launch campaigns in an AIT/AIV role would be considered an asset
• experience in the implementation of MBSE in a project environment
• experience in requirements engineering using DOORS or equivalent tools
• strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex problems
• basic knowledge of other engineering areas would be considered an asset
• ability to proactively engage and coordinate a diverse range of internal technical experts and to work with external partners with the scientific institutes/industry, while considering programmatic constraints
• ability to anticipate problems and propose solutions, bearing the overall goals of the project in mind
• flexibility in dealing with day-to-day operational challenges, while demonstrating strong planning and organisational skills
• high level of motivation and dedication, taking ownership and acting proactively
• ability to work independently while providing your line manager with regular feedback and asking for support where necessary
• excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to be able to present complex technical issues clearly and convincingly

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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 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.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

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 and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.