Mission Analysis Architect

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 encompass 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency'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. ESA operates in various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, and collaborates with numerous international partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Mission Analysis Architect position is situated within the Mission Analysis Section of the Flight Dynamics Division, part of the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department under the Directorate of Operations. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of terrestrial, lunar, minor-body, and interplanetary missions, as well as scientific missions to other planets. The focus is on trajectory optimization and attitude-related aspects, providing comprehensive solutions for spacecraft, ground segment design, and operational preparations. The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising and developing complex software tools necessary for mission analysis activities, which include operational orbit analysis, trajectory optimization, and propellant budget analysis. The role also emphasizes innovative problem-solving and a proactive approach to identifying cutting-edge solutions in the context of future technologies. The candidate will specifically engage with lunar lander missions and surface mission analysis, including landing site assessments and mobility element analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Mission Analysis Architect include performing and coordinating mission analysis activities, providing mission analysis solutions for various projects, and interfacing with multiple stakeholders in the space mission design process. This involves collaboration with scientists, European space industry representatives, flight dynamics and operations teams, and subsystem engineers across various domains. The role requires developing and maintaining generic mission analysis methods and software, as well as project-specific tools. The candidate will lead mission analysis work packages, manage study and development contracts with academia and industry, and represent the agency in relevant committees and conferences. Additionally, the architect will support projects through tender evaluations and reviews of industrial contracts, and assist in the introduction of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and model-based systems engineering. Specific tasks include developing lunar and planetary surface mission analysis methods, maintaining an overview of European capabilities in lunar surface analysis, and supporting third-party customer requests related to lunar surface analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong technical background in mission analysis, trajectory design, and optimization methods, particularly in the context of low- and high-thrust propulsion systems. Familiarity with navigation accuracy analysis, mathematical software development, and flight dynamics operations is essential. The role also requires knowledge of space systems engineering fundamentals and the technologies for generating and validating Digital Elevation Models. The candidate should demonstrate strong result orientation, operational efficiency, and the ability to foster cooperation and manage relationships effectively. Continuous improvement and forward-thinking capabilities are also critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this position. This educational background should ideally encompass fields such as aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related disciplines that provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge for mission analysis and spacecraft operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master's degree. However, candidates with less experience may be considered for a lower grade level (A1). The experience should ideally include hands-on involvement in mission analysis, trajectory optimization, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in the aerospace sector.

Languages:
Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Agency. A good knowledge of one of these languages is required, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse workforce of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of four years, which may be extended up to a maximum of eight years based on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2 - A4, and recruitment will generally occur within this band. Candidates must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations. The recruitment process may include selection tests and background screening. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace.