Launch System Engineer

Launch System Engineer in the Ariane 6 Engineering team, Flight Programme’s Department, Directorate of Space Transportation.

The post is under the hierarchical responsibility of the Ariane 6 Engineering Integrated Project Team (IPT) Manager. You will be integrated in the Ariane 6 Engineering team under the supervision of the ESA Ariane 6 Chief Engineer. Your responsibilities will encompass:

• launch system analyses, and requirement specification, definition and verification, with particular emphasis on elements concerned with cryogenic ground connections and on-ground and in-flight P/L environmental conditions;
• implementation of the activities necessary to qualify the Ariane 6 cryogenic connection systems disconnected at lift-off, dubbed Cryogenic Connection Systems (CCS); this implies ensuring transverse and system coherence between mechanical, fluidic, electrical and command and control elements;
• procurement of system tests executed in either Europe or French Guiana prior to Combined Tests, including their identification, specification and exploitation; supervision of test campaign execution on site;
• support for Upper Composite engineering activities and operation analyses, including control of performance of relevant facilities and tools;
• identification of launch system definition improvements/corrections and analyses of launch system configuration changes required by others;
• support to Project Manager for schedule analysis and monitoring, risk identification and mitigation, and cost-effective implementation of the necessary procurements;
• contribution to the preparation and execution of Ariane 6 launch system combined tests and maiden flight campaign;
• contribution to definition of the quality control procedures to be implemented for Ariane 6 Transition Phase and Stabilised Phase exploitation;
• support with resolving any reservations concerning the Launch System Qualification raised at the beginning of the Ariane 6 Exploitation Phase;
• preparation of and support for the execution of launch system reviews;
• coordination of specialised technical assistance by the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality Management (D/TEC), the CNES Launcher Directorate and industry partners in the appropriate areas of competence.

The job description will be revised after the Ariane 6 maiden flight.

You should have a Master’s degree in space engineering.

You should have 12 or more years’ experience in the development or operations of launch systems or other systems of equivalent complexity. In-depth knowledge of launch systems, with a background in space system engineering, thermo-mechanics and dynamics, is essential.
You are expected to be familiar with design-to-cost practice, and have planning and organisational skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. You must be self-motivated and disciplined, have integrity and possess good communication skills.
Competence in lean process analysis and value stream mapping methodologies, as well as experience of working in industry, is an advantage.