Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
End-to-End Space System Communications Engineer in the End-to-End System Communications Section, End-to-End Systems Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The End-to-End System Communications Section handles both spacecraft Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) and Payload Data Transmission (PDT) techniques and technologies, space link communications, including RF, hybrid RF/optical systems, signal coding/modulation, ranging, tracking and time-transfer techniques, radio science experiments and proximity or intersatellite links, providing support to ESA projects and performing related design studies, research and development.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- assessing and defining architectures, techniques and technologies for end-to-end communications systems, including TT&C and PDT links, and designing the associated functions and techniques within the system, in particular modulation, signal synchronisation, digital signal processing, error control coding, combined (adaptive) high order modulation/coding and communication protocol stacks, from the physical layer up to the application layer;
- assessing the end-to-end (including user) TT&C/PDT communication system design and performance in real and simulated scenarios, including performance analysis, (dynamic) link budgets and data flow analysis and capacity and volume assessment, including interaction between different link layers, and assessment of related encryption and authentication functions;
- supporting projects throughout all phases in respect of the follow-up of industrial activities relating to end-to-end communication systems on the space, ground or user segments, including system level design and trade-offs, architecture design, system development, verification and acceptance;
- participating in Concurrent Design Facility work and design/feasibility studies in the domain of communications systems, supported with internal activities involving signal/data processing and software-based analytical, design, and validation tools, including mission analysis;
- implementing laboratory activities associated with end-to-end communications systems, including assessment of techniques and technologies (simulation, performance, functions), from the physical layer up to the application layer, and development, maintenance and usage of system tools, including simulators and concept breadboards;
- participation in the preparation of relevant standards and their impact/implementation in the framework of standardisation bodies, such as ECSS and CCSDS, and performing the associated technical work;
- 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, and addressing TT&C-/PDT-enabling and -enhancing concepts and techniques;
- fostering new application areas for multidisplinary activities in the end-to-end communications domain, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
- participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the preparation/evaluation of procurement proposals;
- 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 providing support for other activities within your area of competence.
Technical competencies
General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
Hands-on hardware experience
Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
Project support experience in a relevant domain
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
Experience with space engineering standards and their preparation and implementation
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Education
A master’s degree in telecommunications engineering or electronics engineering is required for this post.
Additional requirements
A strong background in communication system engineering applied to space is required.
Solid experience and expertise with TT&C and PDT systems design, development and testing is desirable.
You must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations.
You must be eligible for security clearance by your national security administration.
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 technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & 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.
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.
