Experiment System Engineer

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Position Title: Experiment System Engineer
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 28 November 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'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 conduct space missions, develop technologies, and promote scientific research.

Job Overview:
The Experiment System Engineer will work within the Planetary Exploration and Solar Systems Missions Section (SCI-FEP) of the PRODEX Office, which is part of the Future Missions Department. This role involves overseeing the development of scientific instruments and experiments for space science missions, particularly those related to solar and planetary exploration. The engineer will be responsible for implementing and monitoring PRODEX activities, ensuring that projects align with the agency's scientific goals. The position requires collaboration with industry and scientific institutes, as well as the management of technical, financial, and schedule aspects of various projects. The engineer will also support the preparation of tender documents, participate in proposal evaluations, and monitor the end-to-end development of contracted projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties of the Experiment System Engineer include establishing the overall work programme for the development of PRODEX experiments, monitoring the technical, schedule, and financial status of experiment developments, and identifying potential problem areas while proposing remedial actions. The engineer will assist in preparing tender documents, participate in proposal evaluations, and prepare for contract negotiations. Additionally, the engineer will support the review of project implementation proposals, liaise between scientific institutes and industry, and act as the focal point for technical and administrative interfaces. Regular reporting to the line manager on the status of activities and any difficulties encountered is also required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD or master's degree in physics, space engineering, or instrumentation engineering. They should demonstrate a systems-oriented approach to projects, engage with internal technical experts, and collaborate with external partners. Strong planning and organizational skills, as well as the ability to anticipate problems and propose solutions, are essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are also required to present complex technical issues clearly and convincingly.

Educational Background:
A PhD or master's degree in physics, space engineering, or instrumentation engineering is required for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to contribute effectively to the development of scientific instruments and experiments for space missions.

Experience:
The position requires relevant professional experience in scientific space hardware development, particularly in managing projects with multiple interfaces. Candidates should have hands-on experience in scientific (space) hardware development, including design, development, and verification of scientific instrumentation. Experience in managing industrial activities and knowledge of cost and schedule elements of hardware development contracts are also important.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This requirement ensures effective communication within the agency and with external partners.

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 agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process, and successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment. The ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities.