Space Rider Payload Aggregate Officer

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 across various locations in Europe. 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 multiple countries and is involved in numerous international collaborations, making it a key player in global space exploration and technology development.

Job Overview:
The Space Rider Payload Aggregate Officer will play a crucial role in the Space Rider Programme within the Flight Programmes Department of the Directorate of Space Transportation. This position involves managing the payload aggregate of the Space Rider, which includes overseeing various aspects related to the system, flight, and ground segment. The officer will work closely with the Space Rider project team, Flight and Ground Segment teams, and the Vega and Space Rider Integrated Project Team. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of payload management, technical preparation, and documentation throughout the design, development, and qualification phases of the product. The officer will also support the definition and evolution of Space Rider Exploitation logic and contribute to the development of the Space Rider system business model, ensuring that the services provided to customer payloads are well-defined and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Space Rider Payload Aggregate Officer include:

• Following up on the technical preparation of the payload aggregate, including payload accommodation and flight operations studies conducted by the industrial prime contractor.
• Managing and preparing the payload aggregate documentation throughout the design, development, and qualification of the product.
• Overseeing the preparation of all aggregate mission technical documentation for flight preparation, flight operations, and post-flight phases, including system budgets and interface documentation.
• Monitoring the prime contractor-defined vehicle service capabilities and optimizing vehicle resources according to payload mission needs.
• Managing current and future service development contracts for the improvement of Space Rider system services to payloads.
• Supporting the Space Rider Payload and Exploitation Manager in defining and evolving Space Rider Exploitation logic and preparing necessary formal documentation.
• Contributing to the analysis of multi-purpose cargo-bay aggregate financial assessments for maiden flights and projections for subsequent flights.
• Preparing internal and external papers and project documentation, as well as contributing to the Section’s reporting on the area of responsibility.
• Providing technical support to flight and ground segments for payload data handling and avionics aspects related to system electrical ground support equipment.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a structured and organized approach to work, with a strong attention to detail. Candidates must demonstrate the capacity to work under pressure and manage stress and deadlines effectively. The ability to work within multidisciplinary project teams and interface with a wide range of technical stakeholders is essential. Previous experience in Space Rider activities and knowledge of space business activities will be considered assets for this position. Additionally, candidates should possess strong end-to-end systems-engineering competence, covering the full chain from payload and system design to ground segment delivery, including performance budgeting and interface definition.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in engineering or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background should be complemented by a solid understanding of space systems development and relevant engineering standards. Candidates should also have a good grasp of software engineering principles, particularly those related to data handling and electrical ground support equipment.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the field. This experience should encompass technical and feasibility evaluation for flight preparation and operations, as well as a comprehensive understanding of system and product engineering aspects related to the role. Previous involvement in space-related projects and activities will be highly advantageous.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse workforce of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time appointment for a duration of 4 years, 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 professional experience may be considered for an A1 level position. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions 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.