Environmental Control and Life Support and In Situ Resource Utilisation 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 

ECLS and ISRU Engineer in the Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section, Mechatronics and Optics Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section within the Mechatronics and Optics Division focuses on instrumentation development for microgravity experiments and exploration, ECLS design, engineering and verification and in situ resource utilisation (ISRU). It provides support to projects, preparatory programmes and technology programmes. Within this framework, the Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section is, among other things, in charge of the development of advanced life support systems, ISRU and supporting operational activities in human spaceflight, as well as payload development for microgravity and exploration activities. 

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

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of regenerative life support systems  (e.g. MELiSSA) and in situ resource utilisation 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.
•  supervising and coordinating activities for regenerative life support system flight demonstrators (e.g. BIORAT, PFPU), and ground-based activities in areas such as basic R&D; 
• supporting future human mission scenarios and system designs;
• supporting the Section activities in the area of in situ resource utilisation, for basic R&D and as well as project-related tasks (e.g. payloads for Argonaut, ISRU DM);
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency;
• supporting lab-based activities where necessary with respect to ISRU.

Duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of expertise.

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

Hands-on hardware experience

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

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Project payload implementation and AIV/AIT, and ISS operation

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 with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation

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

A master's degree in aerospace engineering, chemistry, process engineering or a deep knowledge of ECLS and ISRU is required for this post.

•    Experience in (bio)chemical process design.
•    Experience with energy storage and generation technologies.
•    Experience with IRSU applications.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to theESA 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.     

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 at [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 or balanced 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. 

Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States. ​