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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 is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of four years and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisationsโ salary scale.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands with a resident assignment to ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
The Software Systems Division deals with development techniques for ground and space systems. It covers all life-cycle aspects from requirements specification to development, verification, validation and maintenance.
Within this Division, the Software Technology Section aims at providing expert support for the development of software, and exploring the use of new technologies for improving how space systems are developed and for enabling new types of mission. The Section also maintains the common laboratory facilities, including the collaborative development environments. ESA contributes to the development of DestinE (Destination Earth) and Copernicus ecosystems by procuring and supporting new projects and providing the necessary software know-how for Earth Observation (EO) modelling, software AI/ML testing and integration in the public cloud or HPC environments.
You will join a team of highly skilled experts to provide support to ESA Earth Observation projects in domains related to the ESA Digital Twin Earth programme and the DestinE Core Service Platform (DESP) development. The support activity is part of the Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department (EOP-G), Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
Duties
Your duties will include the implementation, maintenance and evolutions of the ESA DestinE sandbox environment making use of the DestinE platform applications and services. This environment will be configured to support validation activities performed within the office as well as the rapid prototyping of showcases to support DestinE applications and services specifications.
You will be responsible for:
- documenting, developing, maintaining and evolving the ESA DestinE sandbox environment as part of the DestinE Core Service Platform (DESP);
- developing showcases illustrating the main DESP APIs and AI/ML usage;
- putting in place EO product transformation prototypes making use of DESP standard libraries;
- verifying DESP collaborative environment operational procedures (including software dependencies, licensing and open-source management);
- supporting the projectsโ technical officers in the verification of industrial implementations;
- establishing benchmarks to position the DestinE platform and services with respect to similar operational services or platforms;
- establishing a technological survey approach and planning system evolutions with industrial partners;
- supporting the projectsโ security risk assessment and associated activities.
In addition, you will support the definition and execution of the R&D activities of the Software Systems Division in your domain of expertise, covering one or more of the following topics:
- Artificial intelligence (machine learning, planning and scheduling, and explainable Al), its verification and validation;
- Big data technologies, including data warehousing and data analysis for downstream applications;
- Cyber security aspects, including blockchain technologies;
- Data modelling and specifications.
Technical competencies General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the position, specifically in artificial intelligence/machine learning modelling environments and big dataExperience in software development projectsProject support experience in a relevant domainExperience in software architecture development and languages (such as Python, C# or C++)Experience in applications deployment on Cloud or HPC architecturesA good understanding of modern software engineering methods and tools, R&D trends and the industrial landscapeKnowledge of Space Engineering Standards and their applicationExperience in preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation)Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews would be considered an asset
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Fostering Cooperation
Continuous Improvement
Operational Efficiency
Forward Thinking
Relationship Management
Education
A master's in computer science, space systems engineering or a related discipline is required.
Additional requirements
The following would be considered assets:
- high-level motivation and dedication, taking of ownership and acting proactively;
- at least two years of experience in software development;
- experience in interactive application development including the use of certain game engines.
You should also have:
- strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
- strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
- the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively;
- the potential to manage individuals or a team.
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 at 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. โ