Wave Interaction Engineer
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Wave Interaction Engineer in the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section, RF Payloads & Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The Wave Interaction and Propagation Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field(s) of:
- Wave propagation relevant to space communications, navigation and remote sensing;
- Wave interaction for active, passive and combined remote sensing of ocean, land and atmosphere of the Earth and other planets;
- In-situ characterization of the interaction/propagation environment;
- Data processing and data science techniques, simulation and performance evaluation tools.
For what concerns:
- Modelling and experimental validation;
- Associated processing, mitigation, retrieval, correction and calibration algorithms for product generation. For remote sensing this includes algorithmic developments relevant to Lvl1 and Lvl2 ground processing;
- For remote sensing, design and validation of on-board processing functions/algorithms for payload data products, image processing and optical payload data compression;
- Related end-to-end performance assessment, including contribution to data products quality monitoring and improvement.
Duties
You will report to the Head of Section and, within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and activities will include:
- providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies throughout all project phases;
- participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and 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 Agency's 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;
- 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 area of competence.
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 a relevant scientific/engineering discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
- Strong knowledge of microwave interaction with natural environment for remote sensing
- Experience with the design of associated forward models and retrieval algorithms
- Experience with microwave Earth observation instrument concepts such as GNSS-R, GNSS-RO, SAR, microwave radiometry, microwave altimetry, and with related end-to-end performance assessment, spurious effects mitigation and vicarious calibration techniques
- Experience with associated Level-1 (physical observation) and Level-2 (geophysical) data products and data processing techniques
- Experience with defining and using performance simulation tools, in conducting simulations and end-to-end performance analyses
- Familiarity with data science techniques and with the development of scientific software code
- Experience with working in a space project environment and in the procurement and monitoring of industrial activities
Particular importance will be given to the ability to interact with both science and engineering communities.
Knowledge and understanding of the Earth science context is considered a strong 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 information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.
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 are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.
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.
