Experiment System Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 19108

Date Posted: 7 November 2024

Application Deadline: 28 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Science

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Experiment System Engineer in the Planetary Exploration and Solar Systems Missions Section (SCI-FEP) within the PRODEX Office (SCI-FE), Future Missions Department (SCI-F), Directorate of Science.

PRODEX is an optional programme dedicated to the development of scientific instruments and experiments for space science missions. Within the PRODEX Office, the Planetary Exploration and Solar Systems Missions Section (SCI-FEP) is responsible for addressing in particular for the implementation and monitoring of PRODEX activities and developments related to the solar and planetary exploration ESA missions (e.g. PLATO, Envision, Comet Interceptor), and the ISS. Developments in other domains of activities handled by the Office may also be entrusted to the section (e.g. in Extrasolar planetary Sciences, Earth-observation developments). Support to studies and developments for Astrophysics missions may also be considered.

The Future Missions Department is responsible for preparing future missions, as well as defining and implementing Small / Fast missions within the Directorate of Science (e.g. SMILE, Comet-Interceptor, ARRAKIHS).

Duties
You will be responsible for implementing and monitoring several PRODEX activities assigned to you, with an emphasis on scientific space Instrumentation development. The developments may involve industry and/or scientific institutes and may cover either a full instrument or instrument subsystems contributions.

Specific duties include:

• establishing the overall work programme for the development of PRODEX experiments within the scientific institutes, in line with the instructions from the relevant delegations;
• monitoring technical, schedule and financial status of experiment developments, identifying potential problem areas and proposing remedial actions;
• assisting, in coordination with scientific institutes and project teams, in preparing tender documents, participating in proposal evaluations, preparing for contract negotiations and subsequently monitoring the end-to-end development of projects/activities contracted to industrial consortiums;
• supporting the review of project implementation proposals and implementing new development activities as assigned;
• liaising between scientific institutes and industry for the duration of the contracts; interfacing with internal ESA project teams or specialists on technical/programmatic matters and with the relevant financial and procurement experts on financial and contractual matters;
• acting as the focal point for technical and administrative interfaces between the PRODEX experiments and your Head of Section;
• regular reporting to your line manager on the status of the activities and any difficulties encountered, including written input as requested.

Technical competencies
System Engineering and AIV

Hands-on Scientific (Space) hardware development experience

Design, development, and verification of Scientific (Space) Instrumentation including optics, detection and electronic sub-systems, mechanical and thermal aspects

Management of industrial activities, including reviews

Knowledge of cost and schedule elements of hardware development contracts

Experience in managing scientific space hardware developments with multiple interfaces (PI, scientific consortium, project, industry)

Behavioural competencies
Results Orientation

Operational efficiency

Fostering cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous improvement

Forward thinking

Education
A PhD or master’s degree in physics or space engineering, instrumentation engineering is required for the post.

Additional requirements
You should also demonstrate an ability to:

• apply a systems-oriented approach to each project and partner, taking due consideration to technical, financial and schedule aspects;
• proactively engage with and coordinate a diverse range of internal technical experts;
• collaborate with external partners including scientific institutes/industry, while considering programmatic constraints;
• anticipate problems before they escalate and propose solutions that align with the overall goals of the PRODEX Office;
• show flexibility in dealing with day-to-day operational challenges, while demonstrating strong planning and organisational skills;
• show a high level of motivation and dedication, taking ownership and act proactively;
• work independently while providing regular feedback to your line manager, seeking support where necessary;
• clearly and convincingly present complex technical issues thanks to your excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations.

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.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.

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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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