Ground Station 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 across multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and various centers across Europe, including the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, which is responsible for satellite operations and ground station engineering.

Job Overview:
The Ground Station Engineer position is a critical role within the Ground-based Communication and Tracking Assets Section (OPS-GSA) of the Ground Station Engineering Division, part of the Directorate of Operations at ESA. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Section and will play a pivotal role in the development and management of antenna infrastructure and mechanical systems for the Deep Space Antenna 5 (DSA-5) project. This position requires a blend of technical expertise in antenna systems engineering, project management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team. The engineer will be responsible for preparing statements of work and specifications for procurements related to DSA-5, managing contracts, and contributing to design and acceptance reviews. The role also involves hands-on participation in factory and site acceptance testing, ensuring that all systems meet the required specifications and operational standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Ground Station Engineer include:

• Preparing detailed statements of work and specifications for procurements related to the DSA-5 project, focusing on antenna infrastructure.
• Supporting project management activities for the deployment of DSA-5 and its associated infrastructure.
• Managing industrial procurement contracts for DSA-5 infrastructure, ensuring compliance with project timelines and budgets.
• Contributing to DSA-5-related reviews during the design and acceptance phases, providing technical insights and recommendations.
• Participating in factory and site acceptance testing of DSA-5 antenna subsystems and infrastructure, ensuring that all components meet operational requirements.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution and integration of systems.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of advancements in antenna systems engineering and related technologies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant engineering domain, such as aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience is required, with a strong emphasis on ground station antennas and project management. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in managing complex engineering projects and possess the ability to work autonomously while effectively communicating with team members and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant engineering field is mandatory for this position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in the principles of engineering, particularly as they relate to antenna systems and ground station operations. Candidates with additional certifications or training in project management or related areas will be viewed favorably.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in the field of ground station antennas. Candidates should have hands-on project management experience in a technical environment, demonstrating the ability to lead projects from conception through to execution. Experience in managing procurement contracts and working with industrial partners is essential.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for this position, while knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication within the diverse international environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years, which may be extended up to a maximum of 8 years based on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2 - A4, with the possibility of being filled at A1 level if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant experience. 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.