Systems Engineer for Space Missions

Job Requisition ID: 18655

Date Posted: 25 April 2024

Application Deadline: 16 May 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Systems Engineer in the Systems and Concurrent Engineering Section (TEC-SYE), Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SY), Systems Department (TEC-S), Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Our team and mission
Within a large and dynamic multicultural team, the Section is involved in the following areas:

• Systems engineering support to space missions from the various directorates of ESA, including Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, Space Transportation, Earth Observation, Navigation, Science, Operations and Connectivity and Secure Communications;
• Feasibility and early-phase studies of future ESA missions using the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF);
• Technology research and development (R&D) activities targeting strategic fields of systems engineering, concurrent engineering, digitalisation and model-based systems engineering (MBSE), clean space, eco-design, augmented/virtual reality, AI and the latest innovation trends;
• Contributions to the evolution of systems engineering standards.

You are encouraged to visit the following websites:

• CDF: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/CDF
• Systems Engineering Division: https://technology.esa.int/division/systems-engineering-division

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

Supporting ESA projects and programmes throughout all project phases:

• Providing expert technical support in the fields of systems engineering, digitalisation, MBSE and clean space.

Concurrent engineering activities in the CDF:

• Designing ESA future missions;
• Conducting and/or leading feasibility studies in the role of Systems Engineer and/or Team Leader;
• Proposing, developing, and encouraging new applications of the concurrent engineering approach.

R&D and technology development:

• Defining, initiating, and managing R&D activities;
• Designing ESA future missions;
• Definition and harmonisation of R&D roadmaps and related work plans for the definition and implementation of the ESA technology strategy.

Other activities:

• Promoting, as a technical expert, systems and concurrent engineering across ESA and to its partners;
• Capturing and transferring knowledge and lessons learned across the Agency;
• Providing technical insight into the evolution of systems engineering standards.
  

Technical competencies
General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Project support experience in a relevant domain and – in particular – in systems engineering

Understanding of space systems architectures

Spacecraft systems design

Systems engineering, in particular in the early project phases

System engineering and understanding of system requirements and interfaces

Management of industrial activities, including reviews

Experience with space engineering standards and their preparation and implementation

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

Education
A master’s in engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional requirements
The following requirements are mandatory:

• Solid background in space mission and systems design;
• At least five years of experience in systems engineering applied to space projects;
• Ability to work independently and to establish excellent working relations within the Agency and with external partners and industries.

Knowledge of the following technical domains is an asset:

• Technical domains interfacing with your own area of responsibility;
• Model-based systems engineering methodologies and tools,
• Clean space domains, for example de-orbiting technologies, design for demise and eco-design;
• Concurrent engineering processes and application to mission feasibility studies.
  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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.

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 via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer
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.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be 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.

When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

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.

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