Space Segment Product Engineer (2 posts) in Harwell

Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications

This vacancy is published to recruit for either: an appointment of 4 years, extendable to an indefinite duration; or a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years that depending on performance and organisational needs, may be extended up to a maximum total duration of 8 years.

Location: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description: Space Segment Product Engineer in the Space Segment Section, Technology and Products Division, Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

Duties:

• Reporting to the Head of the Space Segment Section, you will be responsible for the management of space segment (platform and payload) technology and product development activities for satellite communication applications.
• Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• initiating, monitoring and controlling, in collaboration with the Procurement Department, the Strategic Programme Line managers and other relevant departments of ESA, ARTES Industrial Competitiveness (IC) and other ARTES Programme Line activities relating to space segment product development for satellite communications;
• managing the implementation of activities relating to space segment products;
• reviewing business cases and market assumptions of both ESA- and industry-initiated space segment development activities;
• contributing to the ESA-initiated activities targeting space segment activities, including workplan preparation;
• identifying and defining space segment product needs and innovation for future satellite communication services;
• contributing to market intelligence monitoring and strategic initiatives;
• supporting the promotion of the directorate’s programmes, as well as the socioeconomic impact analysis;
• coordinating expert technical support provided by other ESA organisational units, such as the Directorate of Operations and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, as required, to ensure effective initiation and management of activities;
• reporting regularly on the progress, status, schedule and outcome of activities, including realistic forecasting of milestone completion dates.

Experience:

• Experience in managing space segment technology and product development activities carried out by industry for commercial satellite communication applications.
• Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of satcom space segment system architectures, products, market and business case analysis.
• Knowledge of payload and platform architectures, technologies and sub-systems, preferably in the context of space telecommunication applications.

Result Orientation:

• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering or scientific domain is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements:

• Experience in space segment technology and equipment, subsystem design and development.
• Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications operator and European industry, as well as an in-depth understanding of operating within a European agency framework, would be distinct advantages.
• Understanding of satellite communications market dynamics, business plan and market trends as well as disruptive innovation strategies.
• You should also demonstrate strong negotiation skills and have contract or subcontract management experience.
• Specific knowledge and development experience in the following sub-systems will be an asset: satellite platform sub-systems (e.g. propulsion, power and electrical architecture).

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness:

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process.

Important Information and Disclaimer:

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level. During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures. Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position. The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages:

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States. The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.