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
Power Management Engineer in the Power Management and Distribution Section, Power Systems, EMC and Space Environments Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The Power Management and Distribution Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the fields of power management and distribution for space applications, both primary or secondary, platform or payload. In particular, the Section covers power system design, power and energy budget assessment, power conditioning and distribution design and technology, analogue electronics for power systems, control of power systems, digital control of power systems, sensing techniques and high-voltage technology and design. Within this domain of competence, the Section is also responsible for coordinating the Sectionโs laboratory activities in the ESA Space Power Laboratory, together with the Energy Storage Section.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of power management and power distribution throughout all project phases;
- participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
- identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
- contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agencyโs technology programmes;
- defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
- fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
- conducting laboratory activities as required;
- monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining a state-of-the-art expertise;
- contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.
Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.
Technical competencies General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the positionHands-on hardware experienceProject support experience in a relevant domainSpacecraft systems knowledgeExperience with laboratory or field testing of relevant technical equipmentExperience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation, etc.)Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducation
A master's degree in electrical engineering is required for this post.
Additional requirements
- Experience in the design of power systems at early phase stages of space missions, and the use of relevant tools;
- Experience in power system analysis, including power and energy budget assessment;
- Knowledge of analysis and verification for the distribution system and secondary power system;
- Experience in DC/DC converter design and verification;
- Experience in power converter control;
- Experience in the use of electrical simulation tools;
- Experience in power system support for the launch and early operations phase (LEOP) of space missions.
The following would be considered assets:
- Experience in digital control and FPGA programming;
- Experience in the use of GaN and SiC switches for power conversion;
- Knowledge of power processing units (PPU) for propulsion systems.
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.