Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography Lead Principal Instrument Engineer
Job Requisition ID: 19410
Date Posted: 26 February 2025
Closing Date: 19 March 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External
Type of Contract: Permanent
Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
Workplace:
Noordwijk, NL
Grade Band: A2 – A4
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
The Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography (S3-NGT) mission will ensure the enhanced continuity of the Copernicus Sentinel-3 topography measurements for sea surfaces, cryosphere and hydrology targets in the 2030s. The S3-NGT payload features a latest-generation nadir altimeter and a novel swath altimeter, applied in an operational mission for the first time. Both are supported by a multi-beam, multi-channel microwave radiometer for wet tropospheric corrections.
The project has completed Phase A/B1 and is starting Phase B2/C/D implementation, and involves collaboration with international external entities.
You will report to the Sentinel-3 NGT Payload Manager for all technical and programmatic matters and will work within the S3-NGT NG Project Team.
For the S3-NGT A- and B-satellites, you will be responsible for the procurement and timely delivery of the Radiometer instrument, during the Phase B2/C/D/E1.
You will work in close cooperation with other engineers working on the S3-NGT project, and will coordinate specialised technical support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC)
Duties
Under the supervision of the S3-NGT Payload Manager, you will be technically responsible for the flight model delivery of the Microwave Radiometer (MWR) instrument.
Your responsibilities will include the follow-up of the development, verification, calibration and final validation of the instruments during the in-orbit commissioning, as well as the monitoring of their performance compliance with the requirements and interfaces.
As part of the Project team, you will cooperate with the other elements of the system, supported as required by experts from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, in particular for microwave, mechanical, thermal and electrical engineering.
Your main tasks and responsibilities will include the following:
- contributing to the management of the industrial activities by leading the specification, design, procurement, development, and verification/qualification/acceptance of instrument/payload hardware and software, including coordination across functional teams and end-user organisations/operators throughout the project lifetime, from procurement tendering to in-flight commissioning;
- leading the instrument/payload requirements and specifications, technical budgets, design drivers, internal and external payload interfaces, spacecraft- level payload performance, operational concepts, including their consistency with the mission requirements, specifications and technical budgets;
- leading a team of engineers and specialised engineering support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and the Directorate of Operations;
- monitoring the industrial progress and design evolution at payload/ instrument and equipment levels, ensuring they remain consistent with the technical and programmatic requirements;
- monitoring and supporting all technology enhancement-related activities, such as breadboarding, pre-developments, developments and qualifications, assessing the performances, readiness status, suitability, schedule and risks for the S3-NGT mission;
- monitoring industrial verification activities to ensure proper verification, including resolving non-conformances and supporting the assessment of deviations and waivers;
- coordinating the instrument/payload AIV activities and supporting the spacecraft AIV activities, the preparation of the launch campaign and the in-orbit commissioning of the instrument;
- 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 optimisation and risk mitigation actions;
- supporting the project cost control process by providing relevant inputs to project management.
Technical competencies
Multidisciplinary technical knowledge and experience of area of responsibility, in particular regarding microwave radiometry from space
Knowledge and experience of the design, development, integration, verification, characterization and testing of radiofrequency space-borne instruments
Experience of managing technical interfaces between subsystems within ESA project team environment or with the industrial consortium
Knowledge and experience of project risk management processes
Knowledge and experience of space system development and product assurance (PA) standards
Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Knowledge and experience of microwave radiometer instruments performance simulation and data processing 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.
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.
