Systems Engineer for Space Missions
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Systems Engineer in the Concurrent Engineering and Future Missions Section, Future Engineering Division, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
Our team and mission
You will be working in the Future Engineering Division which is responsible for developing and providing engineering expertise, tools, methods and standards for the development of future projects, in support of the Agency’s programme directorates.
The team you will join works on the following main activities:
- Performing Phase 0/A studies at the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) to assess the technical and programmatic feasibility (in terms of cost, risks, schedule, etc.) of future ESA missions;
- Providing expert systems engineering support to ESA programmes and projects across all the development phases;
- Supporting technology programmes with systems and concurrent engineering methodologies and tools, including MBSE, and collaborating with teams working on AR/XR, AI, end-of-life management (such as the zero debris approach, de-orbiting technologies, design for demise, in-orbit servicing, eco-design or life cycle assessments) and other cutting-edge technology that enhances the efficient and competitive implementation of future missions;
- Providing technical support to small spacecraft projects for technology demonstration and/or education, and conducting Concurrent Engineering Challenge activities and training initiatives at the ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Facility at the ESEC-Galaxia centre;
- Designing and developing models, databases, tools and architectures to support and enhance systems and cost engineering practices, methodologies and applications across the various disciplines, project phases and organisations.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int and the CDF website https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/CDF
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:
Supporting ESA projects and programmes
- Working in the field of systems engineering and introducing novel systems engineering solutions that target process optimisation, including MBSE and digital engineering;
- Contributing to the definition of early project phases, as well as providing support throughout all the project phases.
Participating in concurrent engineering activities at the CDF
- Contributing to the design of future ESA missions;
- Conducting and/or leading feasibility studies and multidisciplinary activities in the role of Systems Engineer and/or Team Leader;
- Proposing, developing and encouraging novel applications of the concurrent engineering approach.
Supporting Technology programmes
- Proposing, defining, initiating and managing R&D activities in your area of competence in the fields of systems engineering, concurrent engineering and digital engineering;
- Supporting the definition and harmonisation of R&D roadmaps and related work plans for the definition and implementation of the ESA technology strategy aiming to enhance the efficient and competitive implementation of future missions.
Other activities
- Helping to promote systems and concurrent engineering across ESA, as well as to its partners and stakeholders;
- Contributing to the capture, management and transfer of knowledge and lessons learned across the Agency;
- Contributing to the evolution of systems engineering standards.
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 and professional experience
A master’s degree in engineering or physics is required for this post together with five years of relevant professional experience.
Additional requirements
Knowledge of the following technical domains is required:
- Solid background in space mission and systems design;
- Proven experience in systems engineering applied to space projects;
- Ability to work independently and establish excellent working relations within the Agency and with external partners and industries.
Knowledge of the following technical domains would be an asset:
- Technical domains interfacing with your area of responsibility;
- Model-based systems engineering methodologies and tools;
- Domains in the Clean Space field (e.g. de-orbiting technologies, design for demise, eco-design, etc.);
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.
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.