Junior Professional in System Engineering for Future Exploration Missions

Description

The Junior Professional position is in the Directorate of of Technologies, Engineering & Quality, and will be integrated in the Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology Team (ExPeRT).

The Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology Team (ExPeRT) has a mandate to plan and implement preparatory system studies and technology development activities for all ESA exploration destinations, including LEO, cis-lunar space, Moon, Mars and its moons.

In detail, the ExPeRT mandate includes the following:

• To define and run phase 0/A/B1 up to System Requirement Reviews of future exploration missions and projects;
• To enable new exploration missions and projects by providing the appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for the critical technologies, (TRL5 at end of Phase B1);
• To foster new collaborations with international partners (both existing and new) in order to create future exploration opportunities;
• To identify areas of European leadership, enabling autonomy and independence. 
   

Duties

You will support the implementation of ESA internal and industrial system definition studies at Phase 0 (Concurrent Design Facility)/Pre PhaseA/PhaseA/(B1) level, including identification of critical technologies, preparing future European activities and projects in the field of human and robotic exploration, addressing in particular missions to the Moon.

Activities identified where you could play a role in maturing such concepts as well as other new concepts in support of ESA’s future mission planning, while working alongside experienced engineers and physicists are: 

• mission concept and mission profile trade-offs; 
• definition and/or review of mission requirements; 
• analysis of spacecraft design and related system budgets; 
• studies of instrument accommodation at spacecraft level; 
• mission-related technology development.

Development programme

In addition to your daily work, you will take part in an extensive learning and development programme. From day one, you will learn on the job and benefit from tailored development opportunities, including explosure to different business areas of ESA and participation in technical and key skills training courses.

On top of this, you will have additional training to build up specific skills and knowledge as well as all the support you need to pursue your career in ESA.

As part of this assignment, taking your profile into account and with a view to boosting your professional experience and knowledge of the European Space Agency, you will be offered rotational assignments within and outside your initial organisational unit. 

In particular, you will be offered an assignment to the Systems and Concurrent Engineering Section from the Directorate of Technologies, Engineering. & Quality, where you will work on the preparation of Concurrent Design Facility Studies. 

Additionally, you will have the possibility of limited-time assignment to other ESA sections in charge of the design and development of critical systems for Exploration Missions: Propulsion, Robotics, Mission Analysis and Communications, among others.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

A Master's degree in physics or engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have between two and three years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant technical domain, after completion of your Master's degree.

Participation in one of ESA ‘s entry-level programmes, i.e. Young Graduate Trainee, National Trainee, or Research Fellow Programmes, will be recognised as eligible experience.

Experience in mission analyses and trade-offs of mission design is considered an asset.

The ability to work effectively, autonomously and cooperatively in a multidisciplinary and international team is required.
 

Specificities

The ESA Junior Professional Programme has a forward-looking perspective. Subject to confirmed good performance, both technically and behaviourally, it is the intention to offer you a permanent contract at the end of the three years. As such, this initiative represents a significant investment by ESA in your personal and professional development. The programme is designed to provide you with the required knowledge and skills in order to ensure an optimal match, and to allow you to fulfil your role as effectively as possible. You can expect to be given many opportunities to develop your professional experience and competencies, to learn from ESA experts and to contribute to ESA activities.

Recruitment will take place at the A1 grade. You can expect to be upgraded to A2 at the end of the fourth year, if you are offered a permanent position at the end of your Junior Professional assignment.