Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineer at ESA

Description

Robotics Engineer in the Robotics Section, Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Robotics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field of space robotics systems (from manipulators to autonomous vehicles) and laboratories supporting automation and robotics in crewed and uncrewed missions.

The Section is specialised in system engineering of space automation and robotics systems. Space robotics is very much a multidisciplinary subject. It depends heavily on the underlying space disciplines of structures, mechanisms, avionics, on-board software, ground operations and communication. Packing all these disciplines tightly together into a single system that moves and interacts physically with its environment and humans with a certain degree of autonomy creates a complexity that is in itself a new discipline.

System engineering of space automation and robotics systems is the discipline of specifying, designing and ultimately validating space automation and robotics systems that fulfil utilisation needs under defined environmental and operational constraints.

Duties

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

• providing technical expertise and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of space robotics systems throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and actively working towards their resolution in coordination with other ESA experts;
• 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;
• leading field test activities to validate and verify robot navigation systems of R&D and project origin;
• leading and performing laboratory test activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• disseminating the results of the activities performed and actively contributing to the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of expertise.

Technical competencies

• General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Multi-year experience with laboratory/field testing of robotic planetary/orbital systems and their ground truthing
• Experience in mechatronic design
• Experience in general verification and validation means used in orbital/planetary robotics
• Project support experience in orbital/planetary robotics
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation, etc.)
• 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 a relevant engineering domain is required for this post.

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.