Vega-C Launch System and Operations 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 operates across multiple countries in Europe and collaborates with various international partners. ESA'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. The agency is involved in a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and satellite navigation, among others.

Job Overview:
The Vega-C Launch System and Operations Engineer will play a crucial role in the Vega and Space Rider Launch System and Engineering Division within the Flight Programmes Department of the Directorate of Space Transportation. This position involves working under the direct authority of the Vega and Space Rider Launch System and Engineering Manager. The engineer will be responsible for managing the interfaces between the launcher and ground systems, as well as overseeing launch campaign operations. The role requires a strong focus on technical coordination and the implementation of common technical activities across the Vega and Space Rider Programmes. The engineer will be expected to contribute to the operational validation of launch systems and ensure effective integration between the launcher and ground segment. This position is vital for maintaining the efficiency and competitiveness of the launch systems, and the engineer will be expected to support various aspects of launch campaign engineering, including the preparation, execution, and post-flight assessment of launch campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Vega-C Launch System and Operations Engineer include:

• Contributing to the harmonization of launch campaign engineering approaches across the Vega-C, Vega-E, and Space Rider programmes.
• Supporting the definition, validation, and continuous improvement of operational concepts and exploitation processes.
• Following up on industrial activities related to launch campaign operations, including launcher processing and integration activities.
• Supporting the preparation, execution, and post-flight assessment of launch campaigns, including monitoring technical issues and conducting anomaly investigations.
• Ensuring the maintenance and qualification status of launch system operational products, ensuring consistency between launch system definition and operational documentation.
• Assisting in the specification, development, validation, and evolution of operational concepts for future launcher developments.
• Coordinating the preparation and maintenance of launcher-to-ground segment interface requirements documents and operational procedures.
• Contributing to launcher system trade-offs related to operational concepts and launch campaign optimization.
• Monitoring technical risks and operational constraints affecting launch campaigns and proposing mitigation actions. 1
• Supporting the digitalization of engineering and operational processes, including requirements management and configuration management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant engineering field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required. Direct experience in the development of Vega-related programmes and launch campaigns will be considered an asset. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong technical competencies in system engineering, multidisciplinary knowledge of their area of responsibility, and familiarity with ESA space system development processes and standards.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in engineering or a closely related field. This advanced degree should be complemented by substantial professional experience in relevant areas, particularly those related to launch systems and operations.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the aerospace sector, particularly in roles related to launch systems and operations. Candidates with direct experience in the development of Vega-related programmes and launch campaigns will have a competitive advantage. The experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of launch campaign operations and the ability to manage complex technical interfaces.

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. Additionally, knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a four-year appointment, which may be extended to an indefinite duration based on performance and organizational needs. The recruitment process is open to nationals of specific Member States of ESA, and candidates must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations. The position may require candidates to undergo selection tests and basic screening before appointment. The agency 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.