Ground Segment & Service Engineer

Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
Location:
Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
- Engineering
Closing Date: Closed

Vacancy in the Directorate of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications.

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of 4 years and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

This opportunity is open for the specific needs of a National Project. Accordingly, the external candidate selected for this post will continue to be considered an external candidate for the purposes of any future applications to the Agency.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands , with possibility of full or part time residency in Industry during part of the duration of the project.

Description

Ground Segment and Service Engineer in the Ground Segment Section of the Technologies and Product Division, Telecom Technologies, Products and Systems Department, Directorate of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications.

If selected for this position, you will report functionally to the Spanish QKD Mission Project Manager and hierarchically to the Head of the Ground Segment Section.

You will work on the activities related to the Spanish QKD Mission Project for which ESA is providing technical assistance to Spain.

The project is part of the nation’s Recovery and Resilience Facility plans, which aim to enhance that country's capabilities in satellite technologies and applications.

You will be responsible for monitoring the development of the quantum optical ground segment concept and the resulting overall ground segment design and architecture, with the objective of achieving the required service performance at system level.
You will also be responsible for monitoring the design, development, integration and test of the ground segment.

Duties

•   Monitoring the development of the system level (quantum/optical) ground segment concept and the resulting overall ground segment design and architecture;
•   Monitoring the design, development, integration and test of the ground segment;
•   Monitoring the ground segment procurement activities;
•   Monitoring the development of all validation models at equipment and ground segment level;
•   Monitoring the development of the necessary MGSE/EGSE for the ground segment to perform the ground segment integration and test activities;
•   Supporting the definition, preparation and execution of the payload and satellite level tests with the ground segment;
•   Supporting the preparation of the operational procedures;
•   Monitoring the schedule for the ground segment-level activities;
•   Identifying potential risks associated with ground segment activities and proposing appropriate risk mitigation measures;
•   Coordinating, together with the Product Assurance Manager, the implementation of ESA expertise in support of ground segment activities;
•   Supporting the collaboration with other departments within the Directorate related to ground segment activities.

You will be supported by technical experts from within the ESA matrix structure. You will also be interfacing closely with the related industrial teams.

Technical competencies

Experience in the design, development, testing and operation of optical ground terminals

Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of & experience with space system design, development, verification/testing, launch and in-orbit validation

Experience with industrial procurement, design, development and verification processes

Knowledge of & experience with PA standards and their application in space projects

Complex project risk management processes

Knowledge of RF and/or optical and/or Quantum payload concepts, payload communication technology and their realisation via spaceborne applications

Experience in telecommunication ground segment architecture design and development

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in an engineering or scientific discipline is required.

Additional requirements

•   Strong problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic approach, to deal with day-to-day operational challenges;
•   Strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
•   Good communication skills, both verbal and written and the ability to summarise complex information;;
•   The ability to work effectively in an international team environment;
•   Experience in working in complex space programmes up to launch and in-orbit testing is desirable, preferably in telecommunications;
•   Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications prime contractor and/or operator will be a distinct advantage. Experience with ESA’s Partnership Projects would be an asset;
•   Experience working in a cross-functional team and promoting innovation through a creative collaboration process.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.

Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.

This vacancy is now closed.
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