Aeolus-2 Lead Space Segment Engineer
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Lead Space Segment Engineer for the Aeolus-2 satellite in the meteorological programmes of the Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
Aeolus-2 is planned as an operational follow-on to the successful Aeolus Earth Explorer mission, in collaboration with EUMETSAT, for a series of two satellites. The primary payload for Aeolus-2 is a Doppler wind lidar designed to measure atmospheric winds through the measurement of Doppler shifts in the backscatter of emitted laser light from molecules and aerosols in the atmosphere. In addition, a radio occultation instrument is planned to be embarked.
The Aeolus-2 programme was approved at the ESA Council meeting at ministerial level in November 2022. Phase A2/B1 activities have been completed and the preparation for the Phase B2/C/D/E procurement is now actively ongoing. In parallel, various technology pre-development activities are also under way.
Duties
You will report to the Aeolus-2 Engineering and AIT Manager and will support the various ongoing pre-developments and the setup of the Phase B2/C/D/E procurement activities. You will then support the Aeolus-2 mission for the space segment engineering aspects during the programme development phases (B2/C/D/E), with a specific emphasis on the follow-up and coordination of the mechanical, thermal and propulsion aspects, covering both platform and payloads.
Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:
- contributing to the management of the industrial activities by monitoring and steering the specification, design, procurement, development and verification/acceptance of spacecraft, platform and equipment hardware throughout the project lifetime, from ITT to flight commissioning;
- monitoring the industrial progress and design evolution at spacecraft, platform and equipment levels, ensuring it remains consistent with the technical and programmatic requirements;
- assessing and reviewing the proposed space segment architecture and design, including identification of possible options, trade-offs and design/cost drivers;
- critical analysis and maintenance of the satellite engineering budgets and timely investigation of corrective actions where necessary;
- monitoring and coordinating, in particular, all thermo-mechanical aspects, including microvibrations;
- coordinating various project engineering domains to cover the procurement of the hardware under your responsibility, with a particular emphasis on the structural, thermal and propulsion subsystems;
- coordinating the activities relating to the launcher interfaces, such as the thermal and structural interfaces, to secure the compatibility of the satellite with the selected launcher and monitor the industrial preparation for the launch;
- coordinating the support of thermal, mechanical and propulsion experts from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality allocated to the Aeolus-2 project;
- monitoring and coordinating industrial verification activities to ensure proper verification, including resolving non-conformances; supporting the assessment of deviations and waivers;
- providing regular reporting to project engineering and AIT management and identifying technical risk areas, proposing and monitoring mitigation measures;
- contributing to the management of the schedule and proposing schedule risk mitigation actions;
- coordinating with PA and AIT during integration and testing activities for the resolution of activity deviations;
- supporting interactions with delegations and partners as required;
- coordinating with the Aeolus-2 Project Team to ensure the consistency of design, analysis, testing and performances;
- supporting the preparation and implementation of all major Aeolus-2 reviews and reviews at space segment and subsystem level within the technical scope of the position.
In carrying out these tasks, you will coordinate closely with other Aeolus-2 Project Team members with support from the Directorates of Earth Observation Programmes and Technology, Engineering and Quality.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
A master’s degree in mechanical engineering, space engineering or a related field is required for this post.
Additional requirements
You should also have:
- a minimum of five years’ experience in satellite design, development, verification/testing, launch and in-orbit validation;
- proven experience of working in a team within a project;
- proven experience of coordinating cross-disciplinary topics with the support of a team;
- the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
- demonstrated relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
- excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
- the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
- the ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity, as well as the ability to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process.
Experience in satellite development with optical payloads is an asset.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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.
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 via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
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.
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be 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*.
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.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.