Propagation Engineer

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Position Title: Propagation Engineer
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 13 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 various countries in Europe and collaborates with numerous 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. The agency is involved in a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, among others.

Job Overview:
The Propagation Engineer will work within the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section of the RF Payloads and Technology Division, which is part of the Electrical Department at ESA. This role involves providing functional support to ESA projects and conducting technological research and development in areas related to wave propagation for space communications, navigation, and remote sensing. The engineer will engage in modeling and experimental validation, develop algorithms for product generation, and assess end-to-end performance for various applications. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying critical development problems and contributing to innovative solutions that enhance the agency's technological capabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Propagation Engineer will report directly to the Head of Section and will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects and programs throughout all project phases; 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 that address both long- and short-term needs; fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities with an emphasis on innovative concepts and cutting-edge technologies; conducting laboratory activities as required; monitoring scientific and technological trends to maintain state-of-the-art expertise; and disseminating results and transferring knowledge across the agency. Additionally, the engineer may support other activities within their area of competence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a general background and specific experience in the technical domains relevant to the position. They should have experience with the design, development, and application of relevant tools and methods, as well as an understanding of related technologies and R&D trends. Project support experience in a relevant domain is essential, along with experience in laboratory or field campaigns. Candidates should also have experience in preparing and managing industrial and scientific activities, including participation in reviews.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline is required for this position. A PhD in a relevant field would be considered advantageous, particularly for candidates seeking to demonstrate a higher level of expertise and research capability.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in wave propagation modeling relevant to telecommunications and/or navigation. Candidates should have a strong background in the characterization of the propagation environment for navigation and mobile telecommunications, including the derivation of environment-related requirements for navigation receivers and reference stations. Experience in defining and using performance simulation tools, conducting simulations, and performing end-to-end performance analyses is also necessary. Additionally, candidates should have experience in defining and implementing laboratory tests and propagation campaigns, as well as working in a project environment focused on procurement and monitoring of industrial activities.

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

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 for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance by their national security administrations. During the recruitment process, candidates may be required to undergo selection tests, and successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. The agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing necessary support in the workplace.