Junior Professional in Launch System Engineering

Description

As Launch System Analyst in the Ariane 6 Missions and System Engineering Section, Ariane Launch System Engineering Division, Flight Programmes Department, Directorate of Space Transportation Systems, you will report to the Ariane 6 Missions and System Engineering Section Head.

Our mission within the Ariane Launch System Engineering Division is to steer launch system activities within the context of Ariane 6 development, managing the internal and external interfaces of the Launch System (i.e. Launcher/Launch Base and Spacecraft/Launcher interfaces) and lastly to build up files demonstrating its compliance with the Ariane 6 high-level requirements, paving the way for Ariane 6’s maiden flight. 

The Missions and System Engineering Section focuses on the launch service, which involves assessing the feasibility of future missions utilising Ariane 6, in particular institutional ones (e.g. scientific or exploration missions), identifying and developing (or adapting) the elements necessary to make these missions possible. We are also designing launch solutions to improve the Ariane 6 service, e.g. developing the ASTRIS kick stage that will improve the versatility of the launcher by providing additional boosts to spacecraft bound for destinations beyond Earth orbit or to allow multiple spacecraft to be delivered into different orbits, and the multi-launch service that will provide piggyback or rideshare opportunities for small satellites.

Behavioural competencies

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

Duties

As a Junior Professional and Ariane 6 Launch System Analyst, your assignment will cover the following activities: 

• In the framework of the Collective Launch Service Procurement function, supporting the Ariane 6 Mission and Integration Principal Engineer in analysing Future Missionrequirements;
• Leading the development/procurement, implementation and validation of processes and tools necessary to achieve the above task;
• Generating and maintaining a database of fact sheets describing Ariane 6’s capabilities for known Institutional Missions; 
• Supporting the preparation of Ariane 6 MRD evolutions;
• Performing vehicle engineering analyses and technological surveys on solutions and concepts related to spacecraft servicing, e.g.:
  • Custom orbit servicing with, for example, kick stages, Orbital Transfer Vehicles,
  • Spacecraft separation systems,
  • LightSat servicing: deployers, sequencers, “containerisation” concept.
• Maintaining the Launch System/Payload Interface Control Document (ICD-0/3) and related verification control documents (contribution to the VCD-0).
• Contributing to ASTRIS kick stage development in the area of vehicle system engineering and establishment of performances. Contributing to the preparation of ASTRIS kick stage integration into the overall Ariane 6 launch system. 

In addition, you will provide ad hoc support in specific activities of the Ariane 6 Launch System Development:

• Maintenance of the Launcher System/Launch Base verification and validation documents (RVP, VCD);
• Execution of end-to-end analyses in the electrical and measurements domains;
• Preparation of the flight data exploitation tools necessary for the launch system qualification;
• Maintenance of the Launch System Combined Tests Instrumentation Plan (CTI) and acting as Chairman of the CTI Board.

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 and with a view to boosting your professional experience and knowledge of the European space sector, you may be offered a one-year secondment to one of ESA’s industrial partners  and/or rotational assignments within and outside your initial organisational unit.

Technical competencies

Education

A Master's degree in space avionics engineering or a related discipline.

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.

Familiarity with Matlab and Python is an asset.

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.