Description

TT&C Communications Engineer in the TT&C and PDT Systems and Techniques Section, Radio Frequency Systems Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The TT&C and PDT Systems and Techniques Section handles both spacecraft telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) and payload data transmission (PDT) techniques and technologies, space link communications (RF, hybrid RF/optical systems, signal coding/modulation, ranging techniques and radio science experiments) and proximity links, providing support to ESA projects and performing related research and development. 

Duties

You will report to the Head of Section and, within the technical areas described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• assessing the techniques and technologies for present and future spacecraft communication systems necessary for the development of TT&C subsystems and their related equipment (e.g. receivers, transmitters, transponders), in particular: modulation, signal synchronisation, digital signal processing, error control coding and RF/microwave technologies;
• assessing techniques and technologies for PDT subsystems and their related equipment (e.g. very high data rate transmitters), in particular: modulation, error correction coding, combined (adaptive) modulation/coding, digital signal processing and RF/microwave technologies;
• assessing end-to-end TT&C and PDT systems, including system-level design, (dynamic) link budget assessment and data flow analysis, including interaction between different link layers and between transponder/transmitter and avionics equipment, and the assessment of related encryption and authentication functions;
• generating technical requirements and statements of work for the tasks to be performed by industry, from early conceptual studies through to full development of hardware, in the area of TT&C;
• technical follow-up and monitoring of contracts with industry for the development of TT&C equipment and subsystems;
• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the area of TT&C communications throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the preparation/evaluation of procurement proposals;
• participating in the preparation of relevant standards in the framework of ECSS and CCSDS;
• mission analysis and participation in Concurrent Design Facility work;
• supporting the above, as required, with internal activities involving signal/data processing and software-based analytical, design and validation tools;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include providing support for other activities within your area of competence.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

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

Additional requirements

A good background in communication system engineering applied to space is required.

Solid experience and expertise with TT&C spaceflight hardware development and testing is desirable.

You must be eligible for security clearance by your national security administration.