Navigation System Engineer (Multiple Positions)

Join ESA as a Navigation System Engineer

Description

Navigation Systems Engineer in the Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section, End-to-End Systems Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section provides support to the Agency’s activities relating to the implementation and validation of Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) and Geo-location systems. The domain covers:

• the end-to-end (E2E) implementation and validation of Positioning, Navigation, Timing and Geo-location systems and functions at system, space, ground and user segment level;
• the ground mission segment, element and equipment and all related techniques and technologies that support ESA’s PNT and Geo-location missions;
• user segment equipment and products, such as receivers;
• testing and monitoring of system, segment and services performance and signal-in-space quality during operational phases.

The Section operates specialised test facilities and laboratories such as the Navigation Laboratory, playing a crucial role in supporting ESA's programmes and contributing to the competitiveness of the European space industry.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of navigation throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• 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, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• laboratory activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within the field of competence of the Section.

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Experience with laboratory or field testing of relevant technical equipment
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as statements of work and proposal evaluation
• 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

A master’s degree in telecommunications engineering, navigation, computer science or aerospace is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Background and solid experience in several of the following fields:

• global navigation systems such as Galileo, as well as GNSS signals and associated receiver technologies;
• advanced signal processing and estimation techniques;
• alternative PNT solutions such as LEO-PNT, positioning based on terrestrial links and hybrid GNSS;
• organisation of testing campaigns and end-to-end validation of complex systems.

Expertise and proven professional experience in some of the following areas will be considered an asset:

• technologies relating to the ground segments of complex satellite systems;
• artificial intelligence and data engineering applied to Earth observation, navigation and telecommunications user and/or ground segments;
• anti-spoofing and anti-jamming techniques for resilient navigation.

You must be eligible to obtain EU personal security clearance from the relevant national authority.

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 & 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.

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.

When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

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.