Junior Professional in Mission Operations Data Systems Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity

Description

You will be assigned to the Applications and Robotics Data Systems Section in the Mission Operations Data Systems Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.

The Mission Operations Data Systems Division is responsible for the definition, implementation, acceptance, and maintenance and evolution of operational data systems, which are complex software systems used in operations. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Mission data systems (e.g. mission control systems, mission planning systems, operational simulators);
• Infrastructure data systems (SIMULUS, MICONYS, EGOS-CC, EGOS-MG, Generic Applications and Software Development Environment);
• Multi-mission data systems and services provided to missions;
• Custom developments and application-specific data systems (for the ESA Space Safety Programme data service centres, or robotic and CubeSat missions).

The Applications and Robotics Data Systems Section focuses on the following:

• Providing and supporting innovative mission data systems for the following ESA programmes: Space Safety (S2P), Navigation (NAV), Telecommunications and Integrated Applications (TIA), Space Transportation (STS), Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration (HRE);
• Driving innovation in the following technology domains applied to mission data systems and operations: digital engineering/model-based system engineering, cyber security, artificial intelligence, automation, extended reality, quantum computing, SmallSat systems;
• Managing, evolving, and operating the Advanced Ground Applications (AGSA) Laboratory.

Duties

You will be fully integrated in the section team, and your main task will be to drive infusion of innovative technologies in the mission operations data systems infrastructure, in particular artificial intelligence and cyber security, and to provide support to the application domains of mission flight operations, robotic operations, and space safety.

More specifically, this will entail the following goals and objectives:

• Evolving and maintaining the Mission Data Systems Artificial Intelligence roadmap as Technology Domain Manager in full coordination with internal partners (e.g. Strategy and Transformation Office) and external partners (industry, academia); 
• Contributing to the evolution of the Mission Data Systems Cyber Security Roadmap, particularly in relation to cyber security-applied artificial intelligence technologies;
• Driving the definition, initiation and execution of research and development activities in artificial intelligence and cyber security, in line with the roadmaps mentioned above. In particular, technology spin-in research and fusion research in artificial intelligence, automation (e.g. of software/security testing and operations) and cyber security will be proposed and initiated (specifically related to predictive maintenance, digital twins, security testing, computer vision applications, among others);
• Developing the necessary connections and partnerships inside and outside ESOC to be able to promote innovation and technology infusion as outlined above − to this end, you will be an integrated member of the Innovation Management Committee;
• Defining secure AI-enabled architecture for the mission operations data systems infrastructure, taking into account the above-mentioned technology roadmaps and the upcoming initiatives related to high performance and quantum computing;
• Providing support for the development of an evolution and exploitation concept for the Advanced Ground & Space Applications (AGSA) Laboratory, and driving the definition of a student and intern programme for the lab to further stimulate innovation;
• Contributing to standardisation efforts in artificial intelligence and cyber security, and in particular coordinating the inputs for the Machine Learning Qualification Handbook;
• Promoting inside and outside ESA the advancement achieved in AI and cyber security.

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 active participation in real mission operations, exposure to other different ESA business areas 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.

You will be interacting and working in an integrated team with the mission operations engineers as well as the Innovation Management Committee to support the development of a user and customer-focused innovation skillset.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A Master's degree in engineering or informatics 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.

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.