Launcher Processing 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 across various locations. 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 and is involved in numerous international collaborations, making it a key player in global space exploration and technology.

Job Overview:
The Launcher Processing Engineer position is situated within the Space Transportation Infrastructure Project, specifically in the Value Chain Assessment and Asset Management Division. The role requires a deep understanding of the processes associated with the Ariane 6 and P120C launch vehicles. The engineer will be tasked with analyzing labor hours and external costs, proposing improvements, and optimizing supply chain processes to enhance efficiency and sustainability. This position is critical in ensuring that the manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing, and logistics of European launchers are conducted effectively, with a strong emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies. The engineer will also support the project manager in deploying smart manufacturing solutions and maintaining the integrity of the supply chain.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Launcher Processing Engineer include:

• Identifying cost drivers and critical processes in the manufacturing and logistics of Ariane 6 and P120C.
• Generating detailed value stream maps to highlight critical components.
• Proposing supply chain optimizations to enhance agility and competitiveness.
• Monitoring sustainability measures to reduce CO2 emissions by 40%.
• Collecting and summarizing information on trends in technical infrastructure and sustainability.
• Supporting the deployment of industry 4.0 technologies and smart digital manufacturing.
• Reviewing manufacturing processes for potential automation and intelligent capabilities.
• Identifying advanced technologies for self-optimizing manufacturing processes.
• Increasing visibility and connectivity through real-time data management. 1
• Implementing predictive maintenance strategies for critical assets. 1
• Addressing potential disruptions in manufacturing and logistics. 1
• Providing schedule planning inputs for Ariane 6 and P120C. 1
• Monitoring the origin of parts to increase local sourcing. 1
• Preparing procurement documents and conducting industrial negotiations. 1
• Supporting audits and contributing to the Ariane 6 and P120C exploitation program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent reporting and communication abilities, and a customer-focused mindset. A good understanding of the space market, including key players and trends, particularly related to the Ariane 6 and Vega C supply chains, is essential. The ability to present practical solutions effectively, both orally and in writing, is also required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in an engineering discipline is required for this position. Candidates should have experience in the production or industrial sector, with a preference for those who have been involved in project implementation and system engineering. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the space transportation infrastructure and the associated engineering challenges.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant professional experience, ideally in the production or industrial sector. While the specific number of years is not stated, candidates with less than four years of experience may be considered for a lower grade level (A1). Experience in project management, system engineering, and familiarity with complex project risk management processes is highly desirable.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is a permanent contract within the ESA and falls under the grade band A2-A

• Candidates 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 from their national security administrations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo a basic screening process before appointment. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The agency values diversity and aims to create an inclusive working environment.