Optical End-to-End System Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 18924

Date Posted: 18 October 2024

Application Deadline: 8 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Optical End-to-End System Engineer within the ScyLight Strategic Programme Line in the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications (CSC).
Optical and quantum technologies are set to revolutionise connectivity on a global scale. They will boost the performance, security and resilience of our satellites exponentially and will help us to safeguard our data at levels which previously were inconceivable.
ESA'S ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) programme enables European and Canadian companies to develop innovative products, services, applications and even entire systems that give them a leading edge in a highly competitive global market. The Strategic Programme Line (SPL) on Optical and Quantum Communication, "ScyLight", was conceived to support and stimulate the next frontier for space-based communications of the future (https://www.esa.int/Applications/Connectivity_and_Secure_Communications/ScyLight). Under the leadership of the ARTES ScyLight Strategic Programme Line Manager, you will be contributing to the definition of an overall system design and service delivery definition of optical and quantum networks developed under ScyLight projects.
For such novel system- and service-level activities or projects, you will liaise with industrial partners, other ESA directorates and departments, and delegates from ESA Member States and international space agencies as required.

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities in the area of Optical and Quantum Communication will include:

• leading the definition of the future satellite services and use cases of optical elements within projects under the ScyLight Optical and Quantum Communications SPL;
• supporting the ARTES ScyLight Strategic Programme Line Team in the technical assessment and follow-up of the optical and quantum networks projects under ScyLight;
• supporting, as part of the ScyLight team, other CSC departments, ESA directorates and national or international agencies by providing expertise, for example for the definition of the mission operations concept, specifications, service level agreements, user and external interfaces, and optical communication standards;
• establishing and maintaining the user and mission requirements, their traceability and the related review cycles;
• leading the system architecture definition and the preparation of the related mission and system requirements;
• supporting the ESA internal technical trade-offs and preparation of the inputs for the related project plans and business case assessments;
• identifying, coordinating and leading the ESA internal support team as required;
• supporting the preparation of tenders and their evaluation;
• participating in relevant tender evaluation boards and acting as Technical Officer as required;
• supporting the preparation of promotional material and presentations for communicating on the optical networks to the ESA Member States and delegations.

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 electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunication or physics is required, with a focus on optical and quantum communication technologies or communication networks.

Additional requirements
Analytical skills and sound judgement in problem-solving and decision-making.
Ability to synthesise complex information with strong verbal and written communication skills.
Direct experience working with commercial telecommunications industries and operators is advantageous.
A demonstrated ability to coordinate a team of supporting experts and work effectively in an international team environment.

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 for 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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