Junior Professional in ISS Project Engineering

Description

The current post will have strong relations to two of the main areas for the ESA Junior Professional Programme: “Critical new technologies” and “Payload development and technologies”.

The post will be divided between the Columbus 2030 Engineering Team, - which is part of the LEO Exploration Group and the ISS Payloads Team, which is part of the Research and Payloads Group. 

The Columbus 2030 Engineering Team is responsible for a large number of engineering tasks in support of ISS operations and sustaining activities, to which the candidate will be exposed. These tasks range from the development of new infrastructure, facilities and technology demonstrators, through supporting operations and to sustaining the engineering of existing infrastructure. The European elements of the ISS include the Columbus Module with all its payload facilities enabling world class science. In addition, sustaining engineering for several bartered elements are provided to our partners (Nodes 2 and 3, Cupola, MELFI and MSG racks, Russian Data Management System and The European Robotic Arm). Specific tasks include requirements definition, design, and manufacturing, testing and verification, commissioning and on orbit operations with subsequent sustaining engineering.

The ISS Payloads Team is responsible for establishing and managing science payload development contracts, including integration, testing, and initial operations (hardware commissioning phase). The tasks include the establishment of the payload baseline, from requirements up to and including end-item verification and definition, providing support to contractors in defining and implementing the functional specifications, in defining and controlling the payload external and internal interfaces, the safety aspects, and compliance with the scientific requirements, and in documenting the verification of all payload requirements. You will also be required to interface with the ISS utilisation and operations teams (including ESA, industry, and the USOCs) and project scientists in preparing the operational phase of the payloads, thereby obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the full end to end life of a science payload.

A broad range of disciplines is required. The candidate is expected to have a strong background in one of the engineering fields (e.g. Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Physics, etc.) and also a good understanding of system engineering.

Close cooperation with other engineering areas (based at ESTEC and Col-CC) is required, especially Flight and Ground Operations, Safety, Security, and Payload Integration and Development. To obtain a better understanding of the operational aspects specifically with respect to crew activities, close cooperation with the crew office at EAC and the operations team at the Columbus Control Centre in Munich, will also be facilitated.

Duties

You will receive exposure to the different areas of responsibility of the team and will work within all phases of a project in the context of ISS payload development and operations. Depending on your  specific experience and development goals, specialisation within an area will be possible and will be facilitated. As an example, a specific development project can be followed from definition through commissioning and operations to disposal, thus exposing the candidate to all aspects of a project lifecycle.

Specific emphasis will be placed on improving the transition from development to operations with the aim of allowing more efficient and robust ISS operations. This entails proper definition of operational needs during the development phase, good planning and system wide/end-to-end thinking.

An open and active attitude is expected with respect to tapping into the experience of more mature engineers in the different teams to ensure knowledge transfer.
 

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. 

To obtain a broader understanding of the different operations teams, your will  have the possibility to work with the ISS teams at ESTEC for payload development and integration, at Col-CC (ESA's Columbus Control Centre) for Columbus operations, and at EAC for the crew and medical offices.
Understanding the impact of all engineering decisions on operations is vital to smooth operations. Gaining a broad field of expertise and a system view will be a clear development goal for this position.
 

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A Master's degree in engineering/physics, as for instance Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Physics, etc. is required for this position

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.