Payload Validation Engineer
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Payload Validation Engineer in the Payload Validation Section, Science Instrumentation Division, Future Missions Department, Directorate of Science.
The Future Missions Department oversees mission preparation activities for ESA’s science programmes, including mission definition studies (Phases 0/A/B1) and technology development activities.
The Payload Validation Section is responsible for conducting laboratory-based payload element validation activities, with an emphasis on imaging focal plane technologies, to provide support for the development of instrumentation for future ESA space science missions. The main aim of the validation activities is to verify performance requirements under operational conditions, including assessing the influence of radiation. The majority of these activities take place during Phase 0/A/B1. The Section also provides general support to the Directorate’s other departments in relation to specific validation activities and to missions under development (phase B2/C/D) or during operations (phase E).
Furthermore, the Section provides general payload expertise support to the Directorate’s other entities and supports the development of new payload technologies.
Duties
Reporting to the Head of the Payload Validation Section, your responsibilities will include:
- supporting the team for the definition of the validation activities as defined in the test request;
- defining the software required for the set up of the validation activities;
- preparing the setup of the validation activities, with emphasis on software aspects;
- performing software development in support of payload technology validation and science research activities:
- Low-level hardware interfacing;
- User interface;
- System automation;
- Data analysis and visualisation tools;
- Remote control and data acquisition;
- Overall development and maintenance of the existing Python library used in the SCI-F laboratories;
- performing digital system programming (microcontrollers and FPGAs) for control and automation of test equipment;
- preparing and maintaining test documentation, such as test requirements, user manuals, test plans/procedures and test reports;
- performing commissioning and testing of the setup of the validation activities;
- performing tests relating to payload validation activities;
- performing test data analysis and reporting to the supported study team, project team or operations team;
- supporting the monitoring of industrial technology development activities, such as reviews;
- supporting the evaluation of proposals in response to mission calls, missions of opportunity and technology calls;
- providing payload expertise for future mission studies or projects;
- supporting the testing of front-end electronics for scientific sensors, such as CCDs, infrared detectors and CIS;
- supporting mixed-signal ASIC testing at room and cryogenic temperatures for ground and space applications.
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 physics and engineering, with a focus on software engineering, is required for this post, together with at least four years of relevant professional experience.
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.