EO Future Mission End-to-end System Engineer (2 posts)

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 multiple countries across Europe and collaborates with various international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The EO Future Mission End-to-end System Engineer will be a pivotal figure in the Mission and System Studies Section of the Future Missions and Instruments Division within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. This role involves engaging in the early stages of future Earth observation missions, where the engineer will be responsible for a combination of engineering, coordination, and study management tasks. The engineer will work closely with various teams within the Directorate and with external Earth observation user communities, such as Scientific Mission Advisory Groups. The position requires a proactive approach to shaping mission requirements and ensuring that user needs are effectively translated into technical specifications. The engineer will also be involved in conducting internal technical work and providing support to colleagues in the division, ensuring that future missions are well-prepared and aligned with strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the EO Future Mission End-to-end System Engineer include acting as Study Manager for pre-Phase A and mission/architecture studies for future EO missions, which may include Earth Explorers, Missions of Opportunity, and Copernicus missions. The engineer will define, negotiate, initiate, and manage industrial activities while providing technical coordination to a small team of engineers. Responsibilities also include managing Phase A industrial activities for missions not yet approved for implementation, ensuring effective handover to the Project Department upon mission approval. As a Technical Officer, the engineer will manage the Consolidation Phase activities for Scouts missions and oversee industrial activities for the preparation and development of small satellites. The engineer will also participate in evaluating EO small mission proposals and managing activities for their derisking and implementation. Additionally, the engineer will support the definition and management of industrial activities for future missions, conduct internal studies to assess industrial results, and shape system performance specifications throughout mission preparatory phases. The role requires collaboration with the Earth & Mission Science Division to translate user needs into mission requirements and to manage end-to-end performance simulator activities for EO missions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in engineering or physics, along with a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to engage with Earth observation users to define mission needs and translate them into clear technical requirements. Experience in space mission preparation and/or development is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a team or project environment. Knowledge of EO spaceborne instrumentation and hands-on experience in satellite integration and testing are considered assets. The candidate should also have a strong understanding of ESA and industrial development processes, particularly in the context of Earth observation missions.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in engineering or physics is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding complex engineering principles and the scientific aspects of Earth observation missions. The candidate's education should be complemented by relevant professional experience in the field, ideally involving direct engagement with space missions and related technologies.

Experience:
The position requires at least six years of relevant professional experience in space mission preparation and/or development. This experience should include a strong focus on collaborative work within teams or project environments, demonstrating the ability to manage complex tasks and coordinate with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with users to define mission requirements and translating those into actionable technical specifications.

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, while knowledge of another Member State language is considered an asset. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication within the agency and with external partners.

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 grade band, but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. The recruitment process may involve 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. ESA also values individuals with disabilities and seeks to provide necessary support in the workplace.