Vacancy in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
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
Instrument Engineer in the Optics Section, Mechatronics and Optics Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The Optics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technology research in optics for space applications. The Sectionโs activities cover the development of optical component technologies and optical systems, such as spectro-radiometric imaging instruments, operating from the UV to the infrared spectral range, and interferometers, including the associated optical ground equipment.
As a first assignment, you will support the Aeolus-2 project, Low Earth Orbiting Meteorological Programmes, Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes, as Principal Instrument Engineer during its development. You will report to the Aeolus-2 Payload Manager for all technical and programmatic matters relating to the project.
Aeolus-2 is an operational follow-on to the successful Aeolus Earth Explorer mission, in collaboration with EUMETSAT for a series of two satellites. The primary payload for Aeolus-2 is a Doppler wind lidar designed to measure atmospheric winds through measurement of Doppler shifts in the backscatter of emitted laser light from molecules and aerosols in the atmosphere. In addition, a radio occultation instrument will be embarked.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- supporting the definition, consolidation and maintenance of the Instrument requirements, consistent with the system and mission requirements;
- interfacing with industry for the Aeolus-2 Phase A/B1 System Accommodation Studies and Instrument Consolidation Study;
- monitoring critical Instrument pre-development activities with the aim of reaching Technology Readiness Level 6 at the Instrument Preliminary Design Review;
- supporting the preparation of the overall RFQ for the Instrument Phase B2/C/D/E1 and subsequent evaluation and negotiations;
- monitoring and controlling the industrial Phase B/C/D/E1 progress and design evolution at Instrument and equipment levels, ensuring it remains consistent with the Aeolus-2 technical and programmatic requirements;
- supporting the preparation and implementation of satellite AIT activities, launch campaign and in-orbit commissioning of the Instrument.
- providing early warning of potential problem areas, monitoring risks and ensuring appropriate mitigation actions are identified and implemented;
- ensuring that operability of the Instrument is fully compatible with overall Aeolus-2 satellite operations, observability and availability requirements;
- monitoring the definition and execution of Instrument calibration/characterisation campaigns, ensuring availability of key data for processing;
- monitoring the development of level 1 processing algorithms for data from the Instrument and associated Ground Processor Prototype;
- monitoring the development of performance assessment tools, including Instrument simulators and models in industry or internally, and analysing impacts on the mission performance, resulting from deviations during the development of the Instrument or of the system;
- interfacing and coordinating with the Science Advisory Group and user groups in collaboration with EUMETSAT.
- participating in Spacecraft, Instrument and Instrument subsystem reviews;
- contributing to the definition of technology development plans for the Agencyโs technology programmes;
- monitoring relevant scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
- contributing to the dissemination of the results of technology development activities and the transfer of knowledge within the Agency.
Technical competencies Experience in spaceborne optical instrument developmentExperience in lasers and laser opticsExperience in instrument performance and verificationExperience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviewsESA space systems procurement, development and verification processes and standardsExperience in multi-agency cooperative programmesExperience of instrument development in a project
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducation
A masterโs degree in a relevant physical sciences or engineering discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Hands-on experience with lidar instruments is an asset.
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.
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.