Opto-electronics Payload Engineer

Vacancy in the Directorate of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications.

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 4 years and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale .

This opportunity is open for the specific needs of a National Project. Accordingly, the external candidate selected for this post will continue to be considered an external candidate for the purposes of any future applications to the Agency.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands 

If selected for this position, you will work on the activities related to the Greek Connectivity Project, whose management has been entrusted to ESA. The project is part of Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Facility plans, which aim to enhance its capabilities in satellite technologies and applications and empower the country to exchange satellite data.

 You will report to the Greek National Microsatellites Project Manager and will be responsible for the development and in-orbit validation of the optical payloads embedded in the Greek Connectivity cubesat and small satellite missions. You will work in close collaboration with the System Manager and Product Assurance Manager.

Within the technical fields of detectors, lasers, photonics, quantum technologies, optical communication systems and optical payloads, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

•    monitoring the development of the system level payload concept and the resulting overall payload design and architecture;
•    monitoring the design, development, integration and testing of the payloads;
•    monitoring the payload accommodation and interfaces with the platform;
•    monitoring the design, development, integration and testing of the ground terminals, if applicable;
•    monitoring the payload (and ground terminal if applicable) procurement activities;
•    monitoring the development of all validation models at equipment and payload level;
•    monitoring the development of the necessary mechanical/electrical ground support equipment for the payload to perform the payload and satellite integration and test activities;
•    supporting the definition, preparation and execution of the payload- and satellite-level tests including environmental (TVAC and mechanical) and in-orbit tests;
•    supporting the preparation of the operational procedures;
•    monitoring the schedule for the payload-level activities;
•    identifying potential risks associated with payload activities and proposing appropriate risk mitigation measures;
•    coordinating, with the Product Assurance Manager, the implementation of ESA expertise to support payload activities.

Experience in the design, development, testing and operation of optical on-board payloads and ground terminals

Experience with industrial procurement, design, development and verification processes

Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of & experience with space system design, development, verification/testing, launch and in-orbit validation

Knowledge of and experience with PA standards and their application to space projects, as well as complex project risk management processes

Knowledge of RF and/or optical and/or Quantum payload concepts, payload communication technology and their realisation via spaceborne applications

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

A master’s degree or equivalent in physics or engineering is required.

Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications firm and operator and/or a sound understanding of operating within the European agency framework would be a distinct advantage.
Experience in public-private partnership projects would be an asset.
Strong background in the design, development and testing of photodetectors ranging from UV to the thermal infrared and/or in the field of quantum cryptography, quantum entanglement and quantum key distribution.
Experience in working in complex space programmes up to launch and in-orbit testing, preferably in telecommunications, would be desirable.
Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunication’s prime contractor and/or operator would be a distinct advantage.
Experience with ESA Partnership Projects would be an asset.

​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.   

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] .

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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.

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.