Propagation 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 across various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Propagation Engineer will be part of the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section within the Radio Frequency Payloads and Technology Division of the Electrical Department at ESA. This role is crucial for providing functional support to ESA projects and conducting technological research and development in wave propagation, which is essential for space communications, navigation, and remote sensing. The engineer will be expected to engage in various project phases, from feasibility studies to project reviews, and will play a key role in identifying and resolving critical development problems. The position emphasizes the importance of innovative concepts and cutting-edge technologies, requiring the engineer to manage R&D activities that address both long-term and short-term needs. Additionally, the engineer will be responsible for disseminating results and transferring knowledge across the agency, ensuring that ESA remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Propagation Engineer's duties will include providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects and programs throughout all project phases. This involves participating in feasibility studies, project reviews, and evaluating procurement proposals. The engineer will identify critical development problems and assist in their resolution, contribute to defining technology development requirements and work plans, and manage R&D activities. The role also includes 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. Furthermore, the engineer will contribute to the dissemination of results and knowledge transfer across the agency, supporting other activities within their area of competence as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant domain, along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. Strong experience in wave propagation modeling, particularly in RF and optical domains relevant to telecommunications and navigation, is essential. Knowledge of telecommunications and navigation concepts, including signal structure and remote sensing concepts, is also required. Experience in developing propagation channel models and defining environment-related requirements for navigation receivers is necessary. Familiarity with performance simulation tools and conducting end-to-end performance analyses is expected, as well as experience in laboratory tests and propagation campaigns. Candidates should have a background in project environments, particularly in procurement and monitoring of industrial activities, and awareness of standardization bodies relevant to wave propagation, such as ITU-R and 3GPP.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline is required for this position. A PhD in a related field would be considered advantageous, as it may enhance the candidate's ability to interact with both scientific and engineering communities effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the field of wave propagation, telecommunications, or navigation. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in project environments and managing industrial and scientific activities, including participation in reviews and evaluations.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the agency's diverse workforce.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for a duration of 4 years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. The position is classified within the grade band A2-A4, 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" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance from their national security administrations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo 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.