Software-centered Space Transportation Project 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  

Software-centered Space Transportation Project Engineer in the Core Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (STS-FF), Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP), Future Preparation, Directorate of Space Transportation.

Within the Space Transportation domain, software-centered vehicle engineering is foremost about ‘digitalising’ a vehicle hardware. A software-centered space transportation engineer takes the valuable properties of powerful software systems and applies them across the underlying hardware, thereby creating a more intelligent, configurable, and interoperable space transportation infrastructure.

You will be supporting the ramping-up of software-centered vehicle engineering in the roadmap for future space transportation preparation.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Drafting statements of work for the relevant FLPP System & Technology activities, with internal support and technical assistance, and supporting the subsequent bidding process;
• Managing and participating in the evaluation of tender submissions, negotiation and the implementation of the corresponding contracts, in collaboration with the Procurement Department and other relevant ESA Departments;
• Organising and supporting negotiations on the contracts with industry;
• Managing the relevant contracted activities, including deliverables assessment and timely delivery of technological developments;
• Supporting STS-FF and STS-FL in the update of STS-F technology and demonstration roadmaps in collaboration with customer projects, technologies and demonstrators teams, and in coherence with the programme system needs;
• Organising and supporting the management of the sessions of the STS-F Technology Roadmap Committee;
• Co-ordinating activities performed in collaboration with European industry and the academic world, promoting ESA’s activities to students/researchers/universities and stimulating cross-fertilisation and new ideas;
• Scouting of relevant technologies, in coordination with TEC, and potentially with the assistance of consulting;
• Providing appropriate support to the FLPP Core Technologies Manager;
• supporting STS-FL in development of diversification of space transportation stakeholders through spin-in/spin-off to strengthen the technology and demonstration roadmaps, and achieve the programme objectives;
• Drafting and presenting papers at space conferences.

You will be assisted by project control, contracts, legal and quality staff and supported by engineers from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, and from national agencies within the FLPP Technical Assistance scheme.

Good knowledge of and experience with software, control systems and information technology to handle industrial processes and machinery

Project Management experience

Multi-disciplinary knowledge of Space

Knowledge of Launcher, In-orbit transportation systems and Orbital transfer Vehicles technologies

Space Transportation system development and PA standards

Complex project risk management processes

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

Ability to interact with European Space industry

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

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

A Master’s degree in computer science is required.

You should have:

• technical knowledge of the application of computer science and software to the industrial sector with the aim of fostering innovation;
• knowledge of the European and global space transportation sectors, including industry;
• demonstrated project management experience and negotiation skills;
• experience of motivating and developing a cross-functional team that includes non-ESA staff and trainees; 
• the ability to work autonomously in an international environment;
• demonstrated leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written; 
• excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity and to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process.

The following will be considered assets:

• Professional experience in the space transportation industry;
• Competence in establishing system and technology roadmaps and experience of academic and public or private space transportation R&D;
• Experience in project implementation with a thorough knowledge of or motivation for the space transportation sector, the New Space environment and space transportation innovation processes;
• Previous experience of interacting with teams in multiple locations and experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA’s activities.
  

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] .

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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.