Lead Optical Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 18900

Date Posted: 2 October 2024

Application Deadline: 23 October 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A5 - A5

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Lead Optical Engineer in the Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

You will report to the Head of the Mechanical Department and serve as the Directorate’s technical focal point with respect to optical payload technologies and their applications, spanning remote sensing, optical telecom, secure communications and quantum technologies.

The development of new optical systems is by its nature a multidisciplinary activity covering optical technologies, detectors, front-end electronics, materials, data processing and performance verification.

You will be responsible for contributing to the formulation of the multidisciplinary technology strategy and preparation of the related development roadmaps, and for driving top-down technology initiatives across the Directorate. These tasks will be performed in cooperation with relevant ESA line managers, Technical Authority Architects , Competence Domains, projects and industry.

The position will increase the quality and availability of the expert support provided by the Directorate and contribute to reducing technical risk in ESA projects.

Duties
Your main responsibilities will include:

Serving as the Directorate’s technical focal point and advisor for all spacecraft optics-related matters:

• supporting the Mechanical Department’s strategy and technical leadership in the optical, optoelectronics and quantum technologies domains
• supporting the Technical Authority Architects
• participating in project reviews/Technical Evaluation Boards as a member or chair
• chairing ad hoc boards, for instance in the event of failures or special investigations
• providing expert support/advice as required.

Driving top-down technology initiatives across the Directorate:

• supporting the formulation of the ESA Technology Vision and contributing to its updates
• supporting the Competence Domains’ preparation of multidisciplinary R&D plans and roadmaps, taking into account the system-level impact and related technology roadmaps
• representing the Department in relevant Competence Domains
• coordinating technology development across all departments within the Directorate in the area of spacecraft optical engineering in close cooperation with the other Lead Engineers
• collecting inputs from the relevant TEC services, ESA Service Domains and industry, in particular in the area of spacecraft optical engineering
• actively following the relevant technology developments worldwide, including those in non-space industry, adapting these as required for space
• supporting the Technical Officers in critical and innovative activities and in coordinating multidisciplinary R&D activities
• identifying opportunities for ground and in-orbit demonstration, leading to early proof and adoption of innovative technologies
• introducing and participating in cross-cutting technology initiatives and contributing to their implementation in projects
• leading efforts on open innovation and joint R&D with other sectors.

Knowledge management:

• coordinating and actively contributing to the transfer of knowledge and lessons learned within ESA, identifying means and best practices to disseminate information across technical disciplines and projects
• developing/supporting training courses (for both internal and external audiences as required)
• leading (as convenor) the development of relevant ECSS standards
• mentoring staff as required, especially to guide them in their career and mobility aspirations.

Coordinating activities performed with:

• European industry
• the European Commission in the area of spacecraft optics technologies, engineering and applications
• the academic world, to promote ESA’s activities to students/researchers/universities and to stimulate cross-fertilisation and new ideas.

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

Experience of space systems issues

Knowledge of industrial landscape, i. e. relevant strategic and technological trends and developments, both inside and outside the space domain

Knowledge of ESA technology programmes and the organisation of R&D activities

Participation in ESA reviews and panel leadership

Ability to lead disciplinary and inter-disciplinary groups of experts

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education
A Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline for this post is required.

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
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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