System Engineer
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Systems Engineer in the Small Satellite Unit/In-Orbit Technology Demonstration and Validation Division/Systems Department/Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The Small Satellite Unit is responsible for the project management and systems engineering of small satellite missions implemented within the Directorate, for technological research and development (R&D), and for the provision of functional support to other in-orbit demonstration projects based on small satellites in other ESA programmes.
Duties
You will report to the Head of Unit, and your responsibilities will include, for the small satellite projects implemented or supported by the Unit:
- contributing to the management of the industrial development/service contracts (budget, schedule and risks) and/or internal activities;
- leading the specification, design, procurement, development, and verification/acceptance of spacecraft, platform and equipment hardware throughout the project lifetime, from ITT to flight commissioning;
- consolidating and maintaining all system budgets throughout the project life cycle;
- leading a team of engineers and specialised engineering support from the ESA Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate and from the Operations Directorate;
- monitoring the industrial progress and 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 resolving non-conformances, and supporting the assessment of deviations and waivers;
- coordinating with PA and AIT during integration and testing activities for the resolution of activity deviations.
Other duties will include:
- providing expert technical support and consultancy on ESA small satellite projects and programmes;
- participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and proposal evaluations;
- supporting the implementation of the Zero Debris Policy;
- participating in CDF studies as Systems Engineer, as required;
- as required and in line with anticipated technology trends and project needs, defining, promoting and implementing the Section’s contributions to ESA technology programmes and R&D activities.
Technical competencies
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 space engineering or a relevant domain is required for this post.
Additional requirements
- experience in space projects, including spacecraft system or subsystem design, engineering and verification;
- knowledge of small spacecraft and technology demonstration projects;
- hands-on experience in design, development and verification of satellite subsystems.
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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.