System and Applications 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 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 has established partnerships with numerous international space organizations.

Job Overview:
The System and Applications Engineer will be part of the Ground Segment Multi-Mission Operational Systems Section within the Operations Directorate. This role is crucial for the development, evolution, and maintenance of mission ground systems, particularly focusing on mission monitoring and control applications. The engineer will work on defining ground system and software requirements in collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring that mission-specific requirements are met. The position also involves designing multi-mission systems, managing industrial procurement and service contracts, and overseeing the verification and validation of industrial deliveries. The engineer will support stakeholders throughout various mission phases and engage in system engineering for both current and future-generation mission systems. Additionally, the role includes undertaking technology development activities and supporting standardization efforts, making it essential for the successful execution of space missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the System and Applications Engineer include:

• Developing, evolving, and maintaining mission ground systems with a focus on mission monitoring and control applications.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to define ground system and software requirements, including mission-specific needs.
• Designing the evolution of multi-mission systems and managing related industrial procurement and service contracts.
• Conducting verification, validation, and acceptance of industrial deliveries.
• Implementing lessons learned and managing system evolution and maintenance services.
• Applying configuration management to deployed systems and providing user support during different mission phases.
• Engaging in system engineering activities for current and future mission systems, including Phase-A activities.
• Conducting technology development, experimentation, and in-orbit demonstrations to foster innovation in mission systems.
• Supporting standardization activities to enhance operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant domain, along with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree and an additional four years of relevant experience will also be considered. The position requires a strong technical background in mission control systems, particularly with Pulse and the European Ground Systems Common Core (EGS-CC) framework. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to define and communicate strategic technical decisions effectively and have experience with AI applications in software maintenance and engineering processes.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may be considered if they have additional relevant professional experience. The educational background should ideally include studies in engineering, computer science, or a related discipline that provides a solid foundation for the technical aspects of the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a master's degree. For those with a bachelor's degree, a total of four years of relevant experience is necessary. This experience should ideally include work in mission control systems, software engineering, or related fields that demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex technical projects and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for a fixed term of four years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite duration. The position is classified within the grade band A2-A4, depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Recruitment will be conducted in accordance with the agency's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. 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 successful candidates will undergo a background screening prior to appointment.