Lead Space Segment Engineer

Lead Space Segment Engineer

Description

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The Leo Cargo Return Service (LCRS) Team manages two industrial contracts aimed at developing a cargo resupply vehicle that will fly to the International Space Station by 2029. The Team provides support and expertise to the contractors and monitors the progress of the companies through appropriate reviews, in many cases with the participation of NASA. So far during Phase 1 of LCRS (May 2024–May 2026), contracts have been awarded to The Exploration Company and Thales Alenia Space (Italy). Part of the LCRS Core Team is based at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC), while the rest of the Core Team and the wider support team from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) is based at ESTEC.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• leading the technical elements of the service development of LCRS, including supervision of the specification, design, development and verification/acceptance of spacecraft, platform and equipment hardware throughout the project lifetime;
• working with the LCRS Project Manager and System Engineer to coordinate the technical activities of the LCRS Team and the team of specialised engineering support from D/TEC and the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS);
• challenging the design and specification of the spacecraft during development to ensure an acceptable balance between industrial commercial viability, schedule and risk;
• monitoring and contributing to the industrial roadmap for design evolution at spacecraft, platform and equipment levels, ensuring it remains consistent with the technical and programmatic requirements;
• monitoring industrial verification activities to ensure proper verification, including the resolution of non-conformances, and supporting the assessment of deviations and waivers;
• monitoring the elements of the verification and certification by NASA of the spacecraft relating to docking to the ISS;
• coordinating with the System Engineer, PA and AIT during integration and testing activities for the resolution of activity deviations;
• contributing to the autonomy and operability concept and supporting the FDIR definition when requested;
• 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;
• monitoring the industrial preparation for launch and coordinating in-flight, re-entry and splashdown spacecraft commissioning and verification activities in collaboration with project and ground teams;
• cooperating actively with the System Engineer, ensuring efficient sharing of workload and responsibilities compatible with technical knowledge and skillsets.

Technical competencies

• General background in the design, development, assembly, integration, testing and acceptance of systems for space flight applications
• Understanding of other technical domains with interfaces to your area of responsibility
• Understanding of space system development and qualification
• General knowledge of space engineering standards and PA standards

Behavioural competencies

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

Additional requirements

Proven capability in risk, schedule and team management is considered a further asset.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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.

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.