Vacancy in the Directorate of Science.
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.
This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisationsโ salary scale.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
We are looking for an Experiment System Engineer for 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 a subset of PRODEX activities, in particular the implementation and monitoring of 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. Earth-observation related developments).
Besides the PRODEX Programme, 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).
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 contributions or subsystems.
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 the 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 the preparation of tender documents, participating in proposal evaluations, preparing the information required for contract negotiations and subsequently monitoring the end-to-end development of projects/activities contracted to industrial consortia;
- supporting the review of project implementation proposals and implementing new development activities as assigned;
- liaising between the relevant 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 AIVHands-on Scientific (Space) hardware development experienceDesign, development, and verification of Scientific (Space) Instrumentation including optics, detection and electronic sub-systems, mechanical and thermal aspectsManagement of industrial activities including reviewsKnowledge of cost and schedule elements of hardware development contractsExperience 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 thinkingEducation
A PhD or masterโs degree in physics or space engineering is required.
Additional requirements
You should also demonstrate an ability to:
- apply a systems-oriented approach to the specifics of each project and partners, taking into consideration technical, financial and schedule aspects;
- proactively engage and coordinate a diverse range of internal technical experts and to work with external partners with the scientific institutes/industry, while considering programmatic constraints;
- anticipate problems and propose solutions bearing the overall goals of the PRODEX Office in mind
- 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 acting proactively;
- work independently while providing your line manager with regular feedback and asking for support where necessary;
- have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to be able to present complex technical issues clearly and convincingly
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ
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.
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.
The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.
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 email contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Please note that applications are only 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*.
In accordance with the European Space Agencyโs security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.
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 masterโs degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.