Simulator Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
EUROCONTROL is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960, dedicated to supporting European aviation. With a mission to develop a seamless, pan-European air traffic management system, EUROCONTROL operates across 41 member states and employs over 1,800 staff. The organization is committed to enhancing the safety and efficiency of air traffic management while promoting sustainable aviation practices. EUROCONTROL's headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium, and it has operational centers, including the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC), which provides air traffic services to civil and military users in the upper airspace of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and parts of Germany and France. The organization emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the continuous improvement of air traffic management systems to meet the growing demands of air travel.

Job Overview:
The Simulator Assistant position is crucial within the Directorate Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, specifically in the Operations Division. This role involves providing specialized technical support for the development and implementation of simulation exercises that are essential for training air traffic controllers and other personnel. The selected candidate will be responsible for designing and preparing training materials, conducting classroom and simulator-based instructions, and ensuring that all training meets regulatory standards. The role requires a proactive approach to monitor and maintain simulator tools and systems, ensuring their functionality and troubleshooting any issues that arise. The Simulator Assistant will also coordinate with various stakeholders, including instructors and simulator pilots, to ensure the smooth operation of training sessions. This position is integral to enhancing the operational capabilities of air traffic services and ensuring that all training is aligned with the latest industry standards and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Simulator Assistant include:

• Providing specialized technical support by collecting, filtering, analyzing, and processing data to support the creation and implementation of simulation exercises.
• Designing and preparing courses and training materials, including computer-based training and simulation exercises, in line with course objectives.
• Delivering classroom tuition and simulator-based instructions to both internal and external customers, such as Ab initio students and Air Traffic Controllers.
• Testing new or modified simulation exercises in collaboration with relevant parties and adapting them based on customer requirements.
• Preparing and conducting examinations to assess students' understanding and skills in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitoring and maintaining simulator tools and systems, performing routine checks, and troubleshooting issues while coordinating maintenance activities.
• Acting as a focal point for classroom training and simulation exercises, ensuring timely availability of resources and documentation.
• Overseeing the daily activities of simulator pilots and adapting plans as necessary.
• Preparing simulator infrastructure for systems testing or validation. 1
• Participating in projects or workgroups that require training input or output, aiming for operational improvements. 1
• Carrying out any other tasks aligned with the main purpose of the job.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed relevant post-secondary education, such as Aeronautical Engineering or Computer Science, meeting the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 5 or higher. Additionally, candidates should possess at least five years of relevant professional experience to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position. Internal candidates may refer to the intranet for equivalency of in-house experience to educational qualifications. Experience in developing airspace simulations and familiarity with airspace simulation platforms is essential. Knowledge of the ATC/ATM domain is also required. Candidates with experience in delivering classroom courses or military ATC experience will be considered advantageous. Familiarity with MUAC airspace and systems is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Simulator Assistant position includes a completed post-secondary education in a relevant field such as Aeronautical Engineering or Computer Science. This education must align with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 5 or higher, ensuring that candidates have a solid foundation in the technical aspects necessary for the role. The emphasis on relevant educational qualifications underscores the importance of having a strong theoretical understanding of the principles that govern air traffic management and simulation.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should be directly related to the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in the development and implementation of airspace simulations. Candidates should also have practical experience with airspace simulation platforms and a solid understanding of the ATC/ATM domain. Additional experience in delivering classroom training or military ATC operations will be viewed favorably, as it demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the training environment and operational requirements.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at level C1 is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the Agency. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English, particularly in a technical context. While French is also a working language of the Agency, proficiency in French is not explicitly required for this role but may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as an Assistant role at levels AST4-AST6, with a duration of appointment set for five years, subject to renewal or conversion under specific conditions. The selected candidate must reside in Maastricht or within a reasonable proximity to fulfill their duties effectively. The working arrangement follows a hybrid model, allowing for a combination of onsite presence and remote work, although full-time remote work is not permitted. Candidates should be prepared to undertake shift work, including evenings and weekends, as required. Staff working in shifts or on-call will receive allowances as per the applicable legal provisions. The selected candidate will undergo a nine-month probationary period before being established in the post. Applications are accepted only from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States, and candidates must provide documentary evidence of their qualifications if required.