System Analysis Principal Engineer

Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

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
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

System Analysis Principal Engineer, System Analysis Office, System Support Division, Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The System Analysis Office provides support to all Earth Observation missions in all mission phases, from early studies to disposal. It performs studies to improve performance in the domains of mission analysis and mission planning, covering in particular:

-    geometry calculations;

-    orbit and attitude definition;

-    orbit and attitude control strategy;

-    mission data downlink strategy;

-    fuel budget;

-    formation flying.

The scope of these studies covers the mission implementation phases before launch to support improvements to the mission design. It also covers the commissioning and routine operations phases after launch in order to support corrections of anomalies or mission definition changes.

You will be responsible for defining, in coordination with the mission manager, planning and driving the execution of system analysis tasks in the following contexts:

-    Performance assessment or improvement studies performed for Earth Observation missions at the request of the mission engineers and scientists;
-    Performance improvement studies proposed by the System Analysis Office of general interest to the Department.

You will represent the team with respect to system analysis aspects during interactions with partners both within ESA and externally, such as Flight Dynamics and Launcher partners and the Satellite/System Prime Contractor.

You will report functionally to the Head of the System Analysis Office.

Your specific tasks will include: 

• conducting, reviewing and consolidating system analysis tasks for Earth Observation missions;
• organizing and ensuring expert support, as required, to the Future Mission managers during Phase A of the missions;
• organizing and ensuring  expert support, as required, to the Satellite managers during Phase B-C-D-E1 of the missions;
• organizing and ensuring  support to operations teams during the launch preparation, LEOP and commissioning phases;
• organizing and ensuring  expert support, as required, to the Mission managers during Phase E2-F of the missions;
• consolidating and applying standard work methods and subsequent document structures for mission and system analysis;
• participating in key mission reviews in order to provide expert advice to the mission teams and, if relevant, propose analysis studies.

In the execution of your duties, you will be required to:

• interface with mission engineers and scientists to define and report on the relevant studies;
• interface with Flight Dynamics teams in the Directorate of Operations to ensure proper coordination and sharing of system analysis tasks as necessary;
• interface with the Post-Launch teams in the System Support Division to define and report on studies relevant to Phase E2-F;
• support the Satellite teams in interfacing with the Launcher teams;
• analyse satellite geometry, atmospheric and ground target geometry, satellite position and attitude data in support of the analysis tasks.
  

Experience with end-to-end mission and system analysis of Earth observation, including space and ground elements

Knowledge of mission analysis software tools

Knowledge and experience in on-board operations, orbit and attitude control and data communications

Knowledge and experience of Mission Planning system , S-, X- and Ka-Band ground stations usage (geometry, interference)

Knowledge of relevant mission analysis software tools

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

A master’s degree in an engineering field or a related subject is required for this post.

You should, in addition, have:

• the ability to specify ad-hoc software tools to support the required tasks;
• the ability to provide clear, synthetic reports;
• experience in negotiating specific study requirements and expected outputs with partners;
• strong coordination skills;
• the ability to develop and apply pragmatic solutions in a highly complex environment at system and team level.

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, Slovakia and Slovenia. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

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.