Launch System Engineer

Vacancy in the Directorate of Space Transportation.

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 post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale .

Location
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France  

Launch System Engineer in the Ariane Launch System Architect (STS-AXA), Ariane 6 Launch System Engineering, Ariane Programme, Directorate of Space Transportation.

The Ariane Launch System Architect carries out launch system tasks in support of development of Ariane 6, including complementary developments. Qualification and/or worthiness assessment is a permanent tasks that will be achieved using appropriate techniques and tools.

As Launch System Engineer within the Ariane 6 LSA Verification Pole, you will be in charge of the management of the technical functions ensuring the verification achieved by tests, analysis and any other appropriate method. You will ensure the performance of the Agency’s undertakings and coordinate with all parties involved in the project for what concerns verification & validation activities. 

In the execution of your responsibilities your deliveries will be coordinated and screened by the Ariane 6 Launch System Chief Engineer as well as Product Assurance & Safety officers.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• ensuring the execution and control of Launch System Validation & Verification activities;
• ensure the exhaustivity and consistency of V&V objectives necessary to qualify the Launch System Functions;
• evaluating the Prime proposals in the frame of the verification and validation activities;
• providing engineering support for the Ariane 6 flight worthiness limited to V&V objectives included in Launch System Campaigns;
• implement KPI’s in order to monitor the progress of the LS verification activities;
• supporting the preparation of Ariane 6 flight campaigns for verification and validation of A6 Launch System;
• supporting the additional V&V analyses necessary in case of discrepancies wrt launch System qualified domain, or in case of Launch System Evolution definition;
• supporting the analyses of the Launch System flight campaign results for verification and validation of A6 Launch System;
• elaborating V&V Synthesis Documents for reviews;
• supporting negotiations and managing the industrial contracts, related to procurement of tasks necessary to achieve your goals;
• implementing foresight of new efficiency verification tools and methods, proposing their adoption for the Project or at Directorate level, proposing the development of new tools not existing yet on the market;
• supporting the organization and execution of Ariane 6 Launch System reviews.

Knowledge of project management techniques

Knowledge of cost and schedule aspects related to area of responsibility

Knowledge of ESA's development, verification and procurement processes

Background in the design, development, assembly, integration, testing and acceptance of systems for space transportation applications

Knowledge of other technical domains with interfaces to own area of responsibility

Knowledge of Space system development and PA standards

Knowledge of project risk management

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

A master's degree in space engineering is required for this post.

Applicants for this post should have five or more years of experience in the development of complex systems and excellent knowledge of space transportation systems and their development framework.

The previous participation to launcher developments as Ariane 5 and VEGA would be an asset.

Candidates shall be self-motivated and disciplined, have integrity and possess good communications skills.

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.

Applicants must be eligible for security clearance by their national security administrations.

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] .

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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.