HydRON Lead Space Segment Engineer

HydRON Lead Space Segment Engineer

Description

Lead Space Segment Engineer in the HydRON Project within the Satellite Programmes Department in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The HydRON project aims to demonstrate the world’s first all-optical, multi-orbit network in space, delivering terabit-per-second capacity. This initiative extends terrestrial fibre optic networks into space, creating "Fibre in the Sky" and "Internet beyond Cloud(s)." The project focuses on the development of critical optical communication technologies by European and Canadian industry up to system in-orbit demonstration, which will support future institutional and commercial space telecommunications missions that require advanced, next-generation communication capabilities.

You will report to the HydRON Project Manager for all activities related to your duties and will be responsible for managing and implementing all space segment activities concerning your Hydron Element. We are looking to fill two positions: Lead Space Segment Engineer for Element #1 and Lead Space Segment Engineer for Element #2.

You will be responsible for developing a long-term partnership with industry partners by fostering reliable technical collaboration and steering innovation developments and digitalisation procurement.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

• Contributing to the management of the industrial activities by leading the specification, design, procurement, development, and verification/acceptance of the satellite and its equipment throughout the project lifetime.
• Monitoring the industrial progress and the design evolution for the satellite and its equipment, ensuring it remains consistent with the technical and programmatic requirements.
• Monitoring industrial verification activities to ensure proper verification, including resolving non-conformances; supporting the assessment of deviations and waivers.
• Coordinating with the PA and System teams during integration and testing activities for the resolution of activity deviations.
• Contributing to the autonomy and operability concept and supporting the FDIR definition, as necessary.
• Providing regular reporting to project management, and identifying technical risk areas, proposing and monitoring mitigation measures.
• Contributing to the management of the schedule and proposing schedule risk mitigation actions.
• Coordinating various project engineering domains to cover the procurement of the hardware under your responsibility.
• Leading the specialised engineering support from the ESA Technology, Engineering and Quality and Operations Directorates related to the space segment and any allocated team.
• Monitoring the industrial preparation for launch and coordinating in-flight spacecraft commissioning and verification activities in collaboration with project teams and ground teams, as necessary.

Technical competencies

• Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of equipment qualification, satellite design and assembly integration & test
• Knowledge of ESA and mission/spacecraft development, verification and procurement processes
• Significant relevant experience in ESA space systems development, verification and project review processes
• Understanding of system requirements and interfaces for Satcom projects
• Understanding of industrial costs, schedule and project risk management processes

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in a relevant engineering domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have the ability to adapt to new working methods and environments. You must be able to build supportive working relationships, communicate effectively and contribute to fostering positive attitudes to change and, therefore, to the success of an innovative programme.

• The potential to manage individuals or a team in a project setting;
• The ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• The ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• Strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.

People management experience would be an asset, as would international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities. Previous project experience involving optical communications would be an asset.

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.

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.