Copernicus CRISTAL and Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography Lead System 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 in various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, and collaborates with numerous international partners.

Job Overview:
The Copernicus CRISTAL and Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography Lead System Engineer will play a crucial role in the Copernicus Space Segment Programme, specifically within the Earth Observation Projects Department. This position involves leading the system engineering efforts for the CRISTAL and Sentinel-3 NGT altimetry missions. The engineer will be responsible for establishing and maintaining system and space segment requirements, ensuring compliance with mission objectives, and supporting operations throughout all phases of the project, including in-orbit commissioning. The role requires close collaboration with various project teams and stakeholders, including flight operations and ground segment teams, to ensure seamless integration and execution of mission operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties of the Lead System Engineer include:

• Establishing, consolidating, and maintaining system and space segment requirements derived from mission requirements, ensuring traceability and compliance verification.
• Contributing to the definition and implementation of the mission operations concept to support space segment design and in-orbit commissioning.
• Supporting system definition, including architecture and interfaces, and ensuring compliance with operational requirements.
• Coordinating verification planning and ensuring consistency between mission and system requirements.
• Assisting the System Manager in interfacing with satellite contractors and overseeing operations preparation activities.
• Supporting the preparation and execution of Phase E1 commissioning and calibration/validation plans.
• Collaborating with external partners for on-ground system validation tests and in-flight commissioning verification activities.
• Reporting on system-related aspects to Mission Advisory Groups and preparing for major project reviews.
• Managing project schedules and identifying risks, proposing mitigation measures as necessary. 1
• Acting as Deputy System Manager when required, taking responsibility for technical and programmatic tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage operational challenges effectively. They should demonstrate excellent planning and organizational skills, with a strong result orientation and the ability to prioritize tasks. Effective communication skills, both oral and written, are essential for presenting practical solutions and managing challenging situations proactively. A customer-focused approach is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this position. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience may also be considered. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of relevant professional experience in mission and spacecraft systems, particularly in a multi-institutional environment. Experience across all phases of the space system development lifecycle, including satellite systems, ground segment architecture, and launch segment operations, is essential. Familiarity with flight operations, ground segment activities, and Phase E1 operations, including LEOP and in-orbit commissioning, is also required.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This linguistic proficiency is crucial for effective communication within the agency and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of four years, which may be extended up to a maximum of eight years based on performance and organizational needs. The recruitment will be conducted within the advertised grade band (A2-A4), but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for a lower grade (A1). Applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations. 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.