Electrical System Engineer

Electrical System Engineer in the Power Management and Distribution Section, Power Systems, EMC & Space Environments Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (hereinafter referred to as the “Parent Unit”).

Training and familiarisation with the parent Department's mandate, processes and procedures will be provided at the start of this assignment.

You will be assigned as integrated support to the function of Electrical System Engineer in the MetOp Second Generation (MetOp-SG) Project, Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (hereinafter referred to as the “Host Unit”).

MetOp Second Generation (MetOp-SG) is an operational meteorological project established in cooperation with Eumetsat. ESA is responsible for the definition and development of the space segment and, on behalf of Eumetsat, the procurement of the recurrent satellites. The programme consists of two series of satellites, with three satellites in each series. The project has successfully passed its Critical Design Review and the AIV phase has started for the first flight model. The first two launches are planned for 2023 and 2024.

In the Metop-SG project, you will supervise the development of the Electrical Power Subsystem and electrical AIV activities at satellite level. Provision of strong support in the areas of data handling, EMC and Radio Frequency Compatibility (RFC) design and implementation activities is also expected.

You will report to the MetOp-SG Engineering Manager, support the MetOp-SG Principal Electrical System Engineer and have specific responsibility for the MetOp-SG Electrical Power Subsystem and for satellite electrical AIV activities.

The main tasks and responsibilities for the post include:

• managing and monitoring industrial activities for the MetOp-SG Electrical Power Subsystem (solar array, power conditioning and distribution unit, batteries, secondary power system in units and instruments);
• providing support in the areas of data handling, EMC and Radio Frequency Compatibility (RFC) design and implementation covering the MetOp-SG satellites and all payload instruments;
• following up electrical AIV activities at satellite level (Electrical Functional Model, PFM and FMs);
• providing early warning of potential problem areas and ensuring appropriate mitigation actions are identified and implemented;
• participating in Non-Conformance Review Boards;
• coordinating specialist support, as necessary.

In carrying out these tasks, you will coordinate closely with other engineers in the Section and with members of the System & Operations, Payload and PA Sections of the MetOp-SG project as well as expert functional  support provided by the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

You will also participate in periodic meetings with the Parent Unit, contributing to the transfer of technical knowledge and lessons learned between the Parent and Host Units and across the Agency.

A Master’s degree in relevant physical sciences or engineering discipline is required.

Experience or knowledge in the following domains is an asset:

• Experience in Power System analysis, including power and energy budget assessment
• Knowledge of secondary power system analysis and verification
• Knowledge of the distribution system analysis and verification
• Knowledge of the design and verification of DC/DC converters with MPPT
• Knowledge of Electronic Power Conditioning units (EPC) for High Voltage payloads
• Experience in satellite electrical, assembly, integration and testing
• Experience in the power system support for Launch and Early Phase Operations of space missions.