Systems Engineer

Vacancy in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of four years and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale .

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

Systems Engineer in the Telecommunication Systems and Techniques Section, Radio Frequency Systems Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Telecommunication Systems and Techniques Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the fields of satellite telecommunication network architectures, techniques and algorithms (coding, modulation, access, synchronisation and networking), system tools and telecom equipment.

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of telecommunication systems throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation 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 programmes;
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining a state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency;
• laboratory activities as required.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Experience with the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation, etc.)

Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews

Experience in technology roadmap definition and harmonisation

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

A master’s degree in telecommunications, electrical or computer engineering is required for this post.

A good knowledge of architectures and technology/techniques for satellite telecommunication systems, including both ground-based systems and payloads, with particular emphasis on digital telecom signal processing techniques.
Familiarity with physical and upper layer protocols, techniques and associated standards.
Knowledge of modern computer systems and programming languages.
Several years of professional experience in satellite telecommunication systems analysis and design.

Expertise in LEO/MEO constellation system and air interface design for broadband and narrowband communications will be considered an asset.

You must be eligible for security clearance by your national security administration.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework .

For further information please visit: Professionals , What we offer  and FAQ    

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.     

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

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. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us email [email protected] .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States *.  

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service. 

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. 

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.