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This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of four years.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Instrumentation Engineer in the Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section, Mechatronics and Optics Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section within the Mechatronics and Optics Division focuses on payloads for human and robotic exploration, environmental control and life support (ECLS) and in situ resource utilisation (ISRU) design, engineering and verification. It provides support to projects and preparatory and technology programmes. The Section focuses, in particular, on the provision of support to the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes with respect to lunar surface payload implementation.
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 in situ resource utilisation throughout all project phases;
• providing system engineering support, including technical risk management, to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of payload development for planetary missions throughout all project phases;
• actively following up and interfacing with industry and the science community for payload development and integration on board lunar missions;
• 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;
• supporting the Section’s activities in the area of ISRU for basic R&D and project-related tasks;
• supporting and coordinating ISRU-related activities in the ESTEC laboratories;
• 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.
Technical competencies
General background and specific experience in at least one of the technical domains covered by the position (planetary payloads and ISRU)
Hands-on hardware experience
Payload implementation and AIV/AIT experience
Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation, etc.)
Understanding of related navigation technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
Experience with space engineering standards, their preparation and implementation
Behavioural competencies
• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s degree or PhD in aerospace engineering or process engineering, and a deep knowledge of payload integration and/or ISRU, is required for this post.
Additional requirements
• Experience in spaceflight instrumentation hardware development and qualification
• Experience with ISRU applications, namely in oxygen production
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 can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
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.
