Flight Dynamics 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'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 advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Flight Dynamics Engineer will be a key member of the Science Mission Support Section within the Flight Dynamics Division of the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department at ESA. This role involves providing comprehensive flight dynamics operations support for various satellite projects, particularly focusing on interplanetary and Lagrange missions. The engineer will engage in mission preparation, critical operations, and routine operations, ensuring the successful execution of missions such as Plato, Rosalind Franklin, and others. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams to develop and implement effective flight dynamics solutions. The engineer will also be responsible for managing requirements, developing operational systems, and coordinating activities across different divisions and external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Flight Dynamics Engineer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing flight dynamics solutions to the Ground Segment, Project, and Science Teams; gathering and managing requirements for flight dynamics solutions; developing and maintaining operational systems for GNC command generation; conducting command generation for missions; coordinating flight dynamics activities for mission phases such as Launch and Early Orbit; representing the agency in external committees and conferences; providing technical leadership for support work packages; managing study and development contracts; and participating in tender evaluations and reviews. The engineer will primarily support ESA's interplanetary and Lagrange missions and may also engage in other tasks within the Flight Dynamics Division.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering, along with a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, several years of active participation in flight dynamics support for interplanetary and Lagrange missions, particularly in command generation for GNC systems, is mandatory. The ability to establish effective working interfaces in a multi-disciplinary and multi-project environment is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of astrodynamics and flight dynamics systems engineering.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical foundation and technical skills needed to address complex flight dynamics challenges associated with space missions.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in flight dynamics, with a strong emphasis on interplanetary and Lagrange missions. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in a dynamic environment, demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing project requirements and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of ESA. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse workforce of the agency.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. Recruitment will be conducted within the advertised grade band (A2-A4), but 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, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.