Optoelectronics 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 approximately 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, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and scientific research. The agency is committed to fostering international cooperation in space exploration and technology development, working with partners such as NASA, the Russian space agency, and other international organizations.

Job Overview:
The Optoelectronics Engineer position is situated within the Optoelectronics Section of the Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, part of the Mechanical Department under the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality at ESA. This role involves providing expert technical support and consultancy for ESA projects that involve advanced optical technologies, including optical atomic clocks, lasers, and integrated photonic technologies. The engineer will engage in various project phases, from feasibility studies to project reviews, and will be responsible for identifying and resolving critical development problems. The position also entails defining technology development requirements and managing R&D activities to meet both long-term and short-term needs. The engineer will contribute to innovative concepts and cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that ESA remains at the forefront of optoelectronic technologies necessary for its missions and equipment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties of the Optoelectronics Engineer include providing expert technical support to ESA projects, particularly those involving optical atomic clocks, lasers, and photonic technologies. Responsibilities encompass participating in feasibility studies, project reviews, and evaluating procurement proposals. The engineer will identify critical development issues and assist in their resolution, contribute to defining technology development requirements, and manage R&D activities. Additionally, the role involves fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, conducting laboratory activities as required, and monitoring scientific and technological trends to maintain state-of-the-art expertise. The engineer will also disseminate results and transfer knowledge across the agency, while supporting other activities within their field of competence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in physics, photonics, optoelectronics, optical engineering, or a related discipline, along with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience. Solid experience in the design, definition, development, and testing of complex optoelectronics systems is essential. Knowledge of environmental testing of space hardware and experience working on projects with a formal security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security framework are considered assets. A PhD in a relevant discipline would also be advantageous. The position requires a strong understanding of related technologies, R&D trends, and the industrial landscape, as well as project support experience in a relevant domain.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a master's degree in a relevant field such as physics, photonics, optoelectronics, or optical engineering. This advanced degree should be complemented by at least four years of professional experience in the field, demonstrating a solid foundation in the principles and practices of optoelectronics and related technologies.

Experience:
The position requires at least four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master's degree. Candidates should have substantial experience in the design, development, and testing of complex optoelectronic systems, as well as project support experience in relevant domains. Experience with laboratory and field testing of technical equipment is also necessary, along with hands-on hardware experience.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French, with a good knowledge of one of these languages being mandatory for applicants. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile and ability to collaborate within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite, and falls within the grade band A2-A

• Recruitment will primarily be within this advertised grade band, although candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. Applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to acquire security clearance from their national security administrations. 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.