Ground Station Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency operates across multiple countries in Europe and collaborates with various international partners to advance space science and technology. ESA's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

Job Overview:
The Ground Station Engineer position is situated within the Station Subsystems and Configuration Control Section of the Ground Station Engineering Division at ESA. The role focuses on modem and signal processing developments specifically for the Deep Space Antenna 5 (DSA-5) project, which is part of ESA's innovative All Digital Ground Station (ADIG) concept. The engineer will be responsible for supporting the DSA-5 project in backend systems, modem, and signal processing, ensuring that the systems meet the required specifications and performance standards. The position requires participation in design and acceptance reviews, factory and site acceptance testing, and the overall management of research and development activities related to ground station missions. The engineer will also engage in project management for the development and deployment of innovative space communication systems, ensuring a seamless chain of innovation for future missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Ground Station Engineer will undertake a variety of duties, including: supporting the DSA-5 project in backend system, modem, and signal processing; participating in design and acceptance reviews; conducting factory and site acceptance testing of DSA-5 antenna subsystems; designing, developing, and deploying the ADIG system; engaging in signal processing and modem design for current and future systems; managing research and development activities for ESA’s ground station missions; specifying relevant equipment and drafting statements of work; monitoring industrial development and procurement contracts; simulating RF and telecommunication system performance; and defining and conducting tests to verify performance and functionalities at various locations including industry premises and ESA laboratories.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant domain and have at least 10 years of professional experience in the field. Additionally, several years of experience in modem development and signal processing, preferably within the space domain, is required. Experience in project management is considered an asset. Candidates should also have a good understanding of CCSDS and ECSS standards relevant to ground stations, and must demonstrate a high level of motivation, problem-solving skills, and effective communication abilities within the project and organization.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field is mandatory for this position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in engineering principles, particularly in areas related to signal processing, communications, and systems engineering, which are critical for the role of Ground Station Engineer.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on modem development and signal processing. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on complex projects, ideally in the space sector, and should be familiar with the challenges and requirements of ground station operations and communications.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required for the position, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication within the agency and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years, which may be extended up to a maximum of 8 years based on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2 - A4, and recruitment will generally be within this band. However, candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. Applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.