Product Assurance and Safety 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, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and scientific research. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster international cooperation in space exploration and technology development.

Job Overview:
As a Product Assurance and Safety (PA&S) Engineer, you will be integral to the Exploration and Science PA&S Section within the Quality Department of the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure that the PA&S requirements are established and maintained in compliance with ESA policies. You will work closely with the LISA Project Core Team, supporting the Project PA&S Managers in various tasks, including verifying compliance with requirements, monitoring the implementation of approved plans, and coordinating technical aspects of service support. This role requires a proactive approach to managing safety and assurance processes, ensuring that all project activities align with ESA's high standards for quality and safety.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will include: supporting Project PA&S Managers in establishing and maintaining the PA&S requirements baseline; ensuring compliance with PA&S requirements by industry and suppliers; participating in milestone reviews and verifying compliance; monitoring the implementation of approved plans; coordinating technical aspects of service support; planning and monitoring the PA&S workforce; participating in boards for deviations from requirements; representing ESA in boards for non-conformances; ensuring implementation of the RAMS programme; monitoring procurement and use of components; overseeing manufacturing and testing activities; conducting acceptance reviews; reviewing safety data packages; supervising PA&S activities during launch campaigns; and performing any other necessary PA&S tasks to ensure mission success.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in PA&S management for space projects, with knowledge of individual PA&S disciplines such as quality assurance, RAMS, materials and processes, and software product assurance. Experience in monitoring industrial activities, including inspections and audits, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate an understanding of space systems engineering and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Previous experience working on scientific space projects or with partners such as other space agencies and research institutes is highly desirable.

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

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of relevant professional experience in PA&S management or engineering roles within the space sector. This experience should include direct involvement in safety and assurance processes, as well as familiarity with the complexities of space project management.

Languages:
A good command of English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of ESA. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse ESA workforce.

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

• Recruitment will be conducted in accordance with ESA's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates. Applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to obtain security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. Note that ESA is transitioning to a Matrix setup, which may lead to organizational changes affecting this position.