Vacancy in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
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
Mechanical and Thermal System Engineer in the Mechanisms Section, within Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division, in the Mechanical Department within the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
You will be assigned as integrated support to the Novacom1 Project, within the Partnership and Opportunity Satellite Programme, in the Telecom Satellite Programmes Department, within the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
Novacom1 is a Project run in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space (ADS) to develop OneSat, a geostationary, software-defined satellite product line. OneSat will enable a variety of commercial telecommunication missions whilst keeping a competitive edge thanks to a standardised architecture. The project is managed by an integrated ESA/CNES team.
Training and familiarisation with the parent Department's mandate, processes and procedures will be provided at the start of this assignment.
Duties
You will report to the Novacom1 Project Manager and your main tasks and responsibilities will include:
- supporting and contributing to the coherent and cost-effective implementation of mechanical, mechanisms and thermal requirements from the system level down to the equipment and component level. This includes ensuring optimisation and completeness of applicable requirements, in line with applicable industry standards;
- supporting and contributing to the design, development, manufacturing and testing of the structure, mechanisms and thermal subsystems in close contact with industry;
- leading mechanical, mechanisms and thermal systems reviews on behalf of ESA and actively supporting system reviews. This includes monitoring associated performance budgets;
- supporting and contributing to the definition and performance of tests in the frame of the verification and qualification programme for all items in your area of responsibility;
- monitoring the quality, schedule and risks affecting the procurement of structural items, of the thermal subsystem and of mechanisms;
- coordinating specialised support from the ESA Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and from the CNES Toulouse Space Centre in the appropriate areas of competence, in coordination with the System Manager;
- monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining a state-of-the-art expertise;
- participating in periodic meetings with the parent section, contributing to the transfer of technical knowledge and lessons learned across the Agency.
Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.
Technical competencies Knowledge and experience of the design of highly dissipative satellitesKnowledge and experience of the design of mechanisms and of tribologyKnowledge and experience of the design of satellite structuresUnderstanding of industrial performance and design to cost
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A masterโs degree in mechanical engineering, thermal engineering or aerospace engineering is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Knowledge and experience of running mechanical, thermal and/or mechanisms development is required for this post, specifically in the aerospace domain and in the following topics:
- Specific experience in the development of mechanisms.
- Integration, validation and testing of structure and thermal systems.
- Competitiveness-driven design.
- Standard telecommunication satellite industry practices.
- Experience of project support for telecommunication satellite developments.
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.