AOCS and Pointing Systems Engineer

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Position Title: AOCS and Pointing Systems Engineer
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 18 December 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Job Details

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 in Europe and collaborates with various international partners. ESA'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.

Job Overview:
The AOCS and Pointing Systems Engineer will work within the AOCS and Pointing Systems Section of the GNC, AOCS and Pointing Division, which is part of the Electrical Department under the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. This position involves providing expert technical support and consultancy for various ESA projects, programs, and general studies related to AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control Systems) and pointing systems. The engineer will be responsible for overseeing the architecture, design, verification, and procurement of AOCS systems throughout all project phases. The role also includes participating in feasibility studies, project reviews, and evaluations of procurement proposals, as well as defining technology development requirements and managing R&D activities. The engineer will be expected to foster innovative concepts and cutting-edge technologies while maintaining state-of-the-art expertise in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the AOCS and Pointing Systems Engineer include:

• Providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects and programs in the field of AOCS and pointing systems, including architecture, design, verification, software, fault detection, isolation, recovery, and equipment procurement.
• Participating in feasibility studies, project reviews, and evaluations of procurement proposals.
• Identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution.
• Contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programs.
• Defining, initiating, and managing R&D activities addressing AOCS enabling and enhancing concepts and advanced control techniques.
• Fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities with an emphasis on innovative concepts and technologies.
• Conducting laboratory activities for the evaluation and prototyping of new AOCS solutions.
• Monitoring scientific and technological trends and maintaining expertise in the field.
• Contributing to the dissemination of results and knowledge transfer across the Agency. 1
• Supporting other activities within the field of competence as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a general background and specific experience in the technical domains relevant to the position. Hands-on experience is essential, along with an understanding of related technologies, R&D trends, and the industrial landscape. Experience in project support and management of industrial activities, including participation in reviews, is also required. Additionally, candidates should have strong expertise in two or more of the following areas: AOCS subsystem architecture, design, testing, and verification; pointing error engineering; smallsat and nanosat AOCS; advanced control, optimization, and estimation techniques; artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for AOCS applications; AOCS modeling, software, hardware, and spacecraft avionics.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in control engineering and/or aerospace engineering is required for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex AOCS systems and their applications in space missions.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of experience in the development of satellite AOCS subsystems and in the procurement engineering of various AOCS hardware units. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the engineer can effectively contribute to the projects and responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is required for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The position is permanent and falls within the grade band A2 - A

• However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of their master’s degree, the position may be filled at the A1 level. Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance by 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, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities.