Space Transportation Space Log. & Proof-of-Concept (PoC) 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  

Space Transportation Space Logistics and Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Engineer in the Space Transportation Beyond LEO Unit (STS-FL), Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP), Future Preparation, Directorate of Space Transportation.

ESA is aiming to transform its vision of future in-space transportation into reality through its venture into in-space transportation proof-of-concepts (PoCs). Through this venture, the Agency will act as a partner to support the de-risking of these space transportation capabilities and the development of standardised interfaces using incremental in-orbit demonstrations (IOD) over the coming years. 

Within this context, you will support the ramp-up of the system and service-oriented projects to be implemented following the roadmap for future space transportation preparation.

Your main tasks and responsibilities will involve:

• drafting statements of work for the relevant Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) system and technology activities, with internal support and technical assistance, as well as supporting the subsequent bidding process;
• managing and participating in the evaluation of tender submissions as well as the negotiation and implementation of the corresponding contracts, in collaboration with the Procurement Department and other relevant ESA departments;
• organising and supporting negotiations of the contracts with industry;
• managing the relevant contracted activities, including the assessment of deliverables and the timely delivery of technological developments;
• supporting STS-FL in the update of Future Preparation (STS-F) technology and demonstration roadmaps in collaboration with customer projects, technologies and demonstrator teams, and in line with the programme system needs;
• organising and supporting the management of the sessions of the STS-F Technology Roadmap Committee;
• coordinating activities performed in collaboration with European industry and the academic world, promoting ESA’s activities to students, researchers and universities, while stimulating cross-fertilisation and new ideas;
• scouting for technologies, in coordination with the Core Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (STS-FF) and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC), potentially with the assistance of consulting;
• providing appropriate support to the FLPP Beyond LEO Programme Manager;
• supporting STS-FL in developing the diversification of space transportation stakeholders through spin-in/spin-off to strengthen the technology and demonstration roadmaps, and achieve the programme objectives;
• maintaining and updating the database of STS-F technology sourcing;
• supporting FIRST! (open competition calls for technology disruptors maturation) and contracting events;
• 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 Directory of Technology, Engineering and Quality as well as from national agencies within the FLPP Technical Assistance scheme.

Good knowledge of and experience with Space Transportation

Good knowledge of and experience with software, control systems and information technology to handle industrial processes and machinery; knowledge of complex adaptive and distributed systems is a plus

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 Space Robotics or Space Transportation is required.

Postholder should have:

• Knowledge of the European and global space transportation sectors including industry; technical knowledge of Space Transportation systems and innovative technologies;
• Knowledge and experience in the NewSpace environment and space transportation innovations processes. 
• Technical knowledge of computer science/software application to the industrial sector to foster innovation; 
• The knowledge of distributed system architecture is an asset.
• Demonstrated project management experience; demonstrated negotiating skills;
• Experience of motivating and developing a transverse team including non-ESA staff and trainees; 
• Professional experience in Space Transportation industry is a plus;
• Competence in establishing system & technology roadmaps and experience of academic, public/private space transportation R&D is also a plus;
• 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, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• The ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of high standard and integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process;
• Trevious experience of interacting with teams at multiple locations is an asset for the position, as is 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.