Operations System Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 18626

Date Posted: 23 April 2024

Application Deadline: 14 May 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Progr

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Within the LEO Services Group, the Sustaining Engineering and Integration Team is responsible for maintaining the on-orbit and ground-based ESA infrastructure of the International Space Station (ISS).

As Operations System Engineer, you will report to the Sustaining Engineering and Integration Team Lead, assigned as integrated support from the Solar System and Exploration Missions Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations.

Duties
You will be part of a team responsible for maintaining the on-orbit and ground-based ESA infrastructure of the International Space Station (ISS). The Engineering Team supports other missions, such as the Gateway programme, and you may also support activities relating to existing or future HRE programmes in coordination with HRE management and experts.
Your tasks will relate to the planning, execution and oversight of the engineering activities concerning the operations of the ESA ISS flight- and ground-based infrastructure, systems, payloads, technology demonstrators and barter items.
This position is focused on providing support to the ACES project and the development of the Columbus Data Management Infrastructure (CDMI).

Specific duties include:

• fulfilling the role of Engineering Lead for dedicated facilities and ISS increments and acting as a back-up for other technical leads as required;
• providing integration and sustaining engineering expertise;
• supporting mission definition with engineering assessments, directly and through industry;
• supporting mission implementation through the definition and implementation of requirements and for troubleshooting, anomaly resolution and maintenance activities;
• coordinating end-to-end activities for new developments, system evolutions and updates, including their transition to operations;
• supporting the increment integration activities and participating in and representing ESA Engineering as required at increment integration and payload mission readiness meetings;
• monitoring industry’s provision of services to ESA and partners and acting as Technical Officer as required, placing and managing external and internal contracts and work packages;
• assessing new science requirements and new ISS payloads from an ISS infrastructure feasibility point of view.

You will be expected to be flexible and be able to change tasks and responsibilities as the engineering activities naturally evolve or to handle urgent situations that may arise suddenly.
In the execution of these tasks, you will coordinate and work with industry, other teams within HRE and other ESA directorates, as well as with external partners.
You will also participate in periodic meetings with the parent Division, contributing to the transfer of technical knowledge and lessons learned across the Agency.

Technical competencies
Experience in system engineering

Knowledge of maintaining complex systems

Experience in mission, spacecraft and/or payload operations

Experience of interfacing with industry, international partners and European national agencies

Experience with human spaceflight-related mission and development safety-related implications

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

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

Education
A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.

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.

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

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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