Optical End-to-End System Engineer

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 Organisations’ salary scale.

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.

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 responsible for providing support to the overall service- and system-level activities within ScyLight.

For such 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 services and use cases of optical elements within the ScyLight Optical and Quantum Communications Strategic Programme Line;

• supporting the ARTES ScyLight Strategic Programme Line Manager in the assessment and follow-up of potential future services in the framework of optical and quantum networks;

• supporting other departments, ESA directorates and national or international agencies by providing expertise, for example for the definition of the mission operations concept, service level agreements, key performance indicators, user and external interfaces and 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 to 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 the divulgation of the optical networks to the ESA Member States and Delegations.

Technical competencies Knowledge and experience of optical and/or quantum communication technology/networks.Experience in the design of End-to-end services/systems preferably in the area of satellite communication and optical networks.Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in physics or engineering, ideally with a focus on optical and quantum communication technologies, is required.

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.

You must be eligible for security clearance by your national security administration.

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 Agency’s 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 master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.