Space Segment 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
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom  

 

Description

Space Segment Engineer in the Space Segment Section within the Technology and Products Division in the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

Reporting to the Head of the Space Segment Section in the Technology and Products Division, you will be responsible for the management of space segment (platform and payload) technology and product development activities for satellite communication applications.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

 

• initiating, monitoring and controlling ARTES Core Competitiveness (CC) and other ARTES Programme Line activities relating to space segment technology and product development for satellite communications in collaboration with the Procurement Department, the Strategic Programme Line managers and other relevant departments of ESA;
• supporting activities of other ARTES Programme Elements and the creation and implementation of partnership projects;
• reporting regularly on the progress, status, schedule and outcome of ARTES activities, including realistic forecasting of milestone completion dates;
• identifying and defining future satcom system and service trends to define space segment product and technology needs; 
• supporting the preparation of technology workplans and roadmaps relating to space segment technologies;
• supporting the promotion of ARTES CC and ARTES socioeconomic impact analysis;
• coordinating expert technical support provided by other ESA organisational units, such as the Directorate of Operations and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, as required to ensure the effective initiation and management of activities.

Technical competencies Experience in managing space segment technology and product development activities carried out by industry for commercial satellite communication applicationsKnowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processesKnowledge of satcom space segment system architectures, products and marketKnowledge of radio frequency and optical communication technologies, preferably in the context of space telecommunication applicationsBehavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Direct experience in satellite communication space segment technology and product definition and development, including specific knowledge and development experience in at least one of the following payload domains: radio frequency signal processing, digital signal processing or optical communication technologies.

Experience in the satellite telecommunication industry would be a distinct advantage.
You should also demonstrate strong negotiation skills and contract/subcontract management experience.

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.

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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.

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