Space Communications System Engineer

Vacancy in the Directorate of Operations.

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
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany  

Space Communications System Engineer in the Systems and Project Support Section, Ground Station Engineering Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.
You will be responsible for support to projects and ESA Tracking Network (ESTRACK) evolution in the domain of space communications. 

You will report to the Head of the Systems and Project Support Section. In carrying out your duties, you will support ESA projects over their entire lifetime, from conceptual definition to the end of operations, as well as the evolution of ESTRACK. You will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Supporting projects during all mission phases in the domain of space communications using RF and optical technologies, from participation in phase 0/A studies to support of critical phases during mission operations;
• Supervising the operations of the reference ground station, part of the Ground Segment Reference Facilities (GSRF), including the planning and execution of Radio Frequency Compatibility Tests (RFCT) for ESA and third party missions, the investigation of satellite anomalies, and the validation of systems and subsystems to be deployed in ESTRACK;
• Supporting the system design of ESTRACK stations for future missions;
• Developing and introducing innovative operations concepts into ESTRACK operations, aimed at optimising data return, increasing operational efficiency and enhancing ESTRACK system availability;
• Acting as project manager for implementation projects related to ESTRACK; 
• Sustaining and evolving the independent ground station test subsystem used to validate the telemetry and telecommand functions of the operational modem;
• Implementing, sustaining and evolving analyses and system design tools for communications link budget analysis and ESTRACK performance validation;
• Preparing for the introduction of optical communications into the ESTRACK service portfolio, including the corresponding independent testing and validation capabilities, as well as compatibility verification;
• Conducting internal and external technology development activities in the domain of space communications;
• Leading ground station technology harmonisation;
• Organising the triennial TT&C Conference;
• Managing industrial contracts for the above activities.

Space communication

Testing and validation of satellite communications subsystems

Testing and validation of ground communications systems and subsystems

Radio Frequency compatibility testing between on-board and ground systems

Communications link budget analysis

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

A Master's degree in electrical engineering or physics is required for this post.

Proven experience in the testing of space communication systems, including ground and/or on-board subsystems (over at least five years). Excellent skills in defining system requirements for development of ground station subsystems and systems (up to the whole ground station) or acquisition of industrial services related to innovative operational concepts in the domain of space communications. Sound knowledge of space communications standards from the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) and European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS).

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 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 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*.  (https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/NationalityTargets.pdf )

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.