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 until 31/12/2026 and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisationsโ salary scale.
This opportunity is open for the specific needs of a National Project. Accordingly, the external candidate selected for this post will continue to be considered an external candidate for the purposes of any future applications to the Agency.
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
Structural Engineer in the Structures Section, Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
You will be assigned as integrated support, reporting to the IRIDE Programme Manager in the IT PNRR Programme, Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
The IRIDE project is the Earth Observation component of the Italian PNRR programme, to which ESA is providing technical assistance. The IRIDE system is composed of the Upstream, Downstream and Service Elements. The Upstream Element is a constellation of constellations, comprising several sensing technologies: radar, optical, multispectral and hyperspectral. You will oversee the analysis and assessment of mechanical and thermal aspects of the IRIDE constellations.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- acting as a focal point for the subsystem disciplines under your responsibility (structures, mechanisms and thermal) relating to the satellite design for the constellations belonging to the IRIDE project;
- close monitoring of satellite and subsystem design and quali๏ฌcation (review of documentation if completed before the IRIDE project or monitoring of the activities if completed during the IRIDE project;
- follow-up of the design of the satellites during the project in correlation with environmental conditions encountered by the satellites during the mission lifetime;
- identifying criticalities and envisaged risks, ensuring that appropriate mitigation actions are identi๏ฌed and implemented;
- serving as a focal point and providing technical coordination and liaison between the satellite contractor, candidate launchers and the dispenser contractor with respect to relevant subsystem interfaces (mechanical, thermal and electrical) and environmental compatibility;
- in coordination with the AIV focal point, assessing and monitoring the satellite environmental test campaign (PFM and FMs, from equipment/subsystem up to satellite level) and the subsequent launch campaign;
- ensuring that the required controls of test con๏ฌgurations and procedures are applied by industry in coordination with the Product Assurance Manager to maintain strict control over processes applied; participating in the upstream reviews for the various IRIDE constellations, such as TRRs, TRBs and IOCRs;
- participating in and close monitoring of the LEOP and commissioning phases of the constellations in respect of the subsystems under your responsibility;
- reporting activities to the IRIDE Project Manager, escalating technical, programmatic and personnel issues as appropriate.
Technical competencies General background and experience in mechanical or structural engineering, with additional experience in thermal engineeringExperience in the development and verification of space hardwareExperience of technical management and coordinationExperience in the preparation and implementation of space engineering standardsUnderstanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscapeKnowledge of Earth Observation Missions
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducation
A master's degree in mechanical or aeronautical engineering is required for this post.
Additional requirements
You should have a good knowledge of spacecraft, payloads, equipment and mechanical systems, in particular in respect of space vehicle structures.
A good knowledge of advanced methods of structural design, development and verification (analysis and mechanical testing) of spacecraft, payloads, equipment and launchers is also required.
A number of years of experience in spacecraft/payload structures development and structural analysis, as well as concurrent engineering, spacecraft conceptual/feasibility studies and interfaces with other spacecraft system disciplines, is an asset.
โOther 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.
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.
Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.