Power and EMC Lead 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 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 various domains including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, and collaborates with numerous international partners.

Job Overview:
The Power and EMC Lead Engineer position is a critical role within the Vega and Space Rider Launch System and Engineering team at ESA. This position involves working under the direct authority of the Vega and Space Rider Launch System and Engineering Manager, and it requires a comprehensive understanding of power generation, distribution, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) as well as electromagnetic interference (EMI) for space systems. The engineer will be responsible for the analysis, definition, and verification of power systems and EMC/EMI functions for the Vega-C, Vega-E, and Space Rider systems. The role demands a proactive approach to ensure that all systems meet the required specifications and standards, while also focusing on technical excellence and resource efficiency. The engineer will engage in various projects, supporting the development, qualification, and production of subsystems and equipment, ensuring compliance with electrical interface requirements, and managing verification plans. This position is pivotal in steering the verification of system-level functions and supporting the recurrent production and operational activities of the systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Power and EMC Lead Engineer include conducting trade-off analyses at both the system architecture and subsystem/equipment definition levels. The engineer will apportion technical requirements from the system level to power subsystems, assist in writing statements of work, lead study contracts, and manage technical support staff activities. Responsibilities also encompass evaluating industrial offers, preparing for project milestones, managing schedules and risks, and ensuring compliance of hardware with mission-specific configurations. The engineer will assess and resolve ground and flight anomalies, review harness system design and manufacturing processes, and supervise the demonstration of system resilience to EMC emissions. Additionally, the engineer will follow up on technical activities related to component obsolescence and cost reduction during the exploitation phase.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in the design, development, assembly, integration, testing, and acceptance of liquid propulsion systems for space applications. Knowledge of cost and schedule management, as well as familiarity with technical domains interfacing with power systems, is essential. Understanding of space system development standards, project risk management, and ESA's verification and procurement processes is also required. Proficiency in power and harness systems design methodologies and relevant codes, such as ANSYS, is necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant engineering field is mandatory for this position. Candidates with direct experience in the development of Vega-related products will be considered favorably, as this experience is seen as an asset that enhances the candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant professional experience, ideally with a minimum of four years following the completion of their master's degree. However, candidates with less experience may be considered for a lower grade level (A1) depending on their qualifications and the overall fit for the role.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required for the position, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse team.

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

• The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Applications from women are particularly encouraged. The recruitment process may involve selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo a basic screening process. Candidates must also be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations.