Payload Validation Engineer

Payload Validation Engineer at ESA

Description

Payload Validation Engineer in the Payload Validation Section, Science Instrumentation Division, Future Missions Department, Directorate of Science.

The Future Missions Department oversees mission preparation activities for ESA’s science programmes, including mission definition studies (Phases 0/A/B1) and technology development activities. The Payload Validation Section is responsible for conducting laboratory-based payload element validation activities, with the emphasis on imaging focal plane technologies, to provide support for the development of instrumentation for future ESA space science missions. The main aim of the validation activities is to verify performance requirements under operational conditions, including assessing the influence of radiation. The majority of these activities take place during Phase 0/A/B1. The Section also provides general support to the Directorate’s other departments in relation to specific validation activities and to missions under development (phase B2/C/D) or during operations (phase E).

Furthermore, the Section provides general payload expertise support to the Directorate’s other entities and supports the development of new payload technologies.

Duties

You will report to the Head of the Payload Validation Section, and your responsibilities will include the following:

• Leading the laboratory-based validation activities primarily in (but not limited to) Vis-IR focal plane technologies, including both detector and readout electronics aspects, through:
  • coordinating with the mission study team, project team or operations team regarding the definition of the validation activities;
  • preparing test documentation (test requirements, test plan and test report);
  • defining payload validation activity test setups and planning;
  • implementing validation activity setups, with the emphasis on infrared imaging detectors and the associated control electronics;
  • performing the commissioning of the validation activity setup;
  • performing tests using the validation activity setup;
  • performing test data analysis and reporting to the relevant study team, project team or operations team;
• Supporting the development and maintenance of the general technical infrastructure needed to validate payload technologies;
• Defining and implementing, under the overall supervision of the Head of Section and in close collaboration with the Department’s other Sections, ESA-funded payload activities and predevelopments, for nationally and/or ESA-provided payload elements, such that the required definition maturity and technology readiness levels are reached at the time of mission adoption;
• Identifying and producing new instrument technologies required for the Directorate of Science’s programmes;
• Participating in the preparation and implementation of the Voyage 2050 technology development plan;
• Providing payload expertise and support to studies and projects under development as required, e.g. through participation in reviews/working groups or technical support.

Technical competencies

• Excellent understanding of detection technologies, in particular CMOS and MCT as currently used in space science instrumentation
• Knowledge of space radiation effects upon imaging detectors
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in the performance testing, under representative space conditions, of imaging detectors and associated control electronics of the type typically used in space science payloads
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in the definition, design and utilisation of instrument technology validation setups in the space domain
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in optoelectronic performance measurements, including the associated instrumentation and data analysis
• Knowledge of payload technologies and general space science instrumentation

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A PhD or master's degree in physics or engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should also:

• be able to work in a small multidisciplinary team, be flexible and able to multitask;
• have the necessary relationship management skills to balance interactions with various ESA stakeholders, including scientific institutions and industry;
• be self-motivated.

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.

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.

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.