Job Description

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY

Vacancy in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment.

For this purpose, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

Applications from women are encouraged.

Post

On-Board Payload Data Processing Engineer

This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands

On-board Payload Data Processing Engineer in the Radio Frequency (RF) Digital Equipment and Payload Data Processing Section, RF Payloads & Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The RF Digital Equipment and Payload Data Processing Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the fields of on-board payload data processing and RF digital equipment applied in remote sensing instruments, navigation and telecommunication payloads.

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the fields of on-board payload data processing and RF digital equipment throughout all project phases;
driving the development of on-board signal processing techniques and algorithms, including artificial intelligence, image processing, data selection, compression and encryption for RF and optical payloads;
supporting the design, development and performance evaluation and characterisation of Control, Data and Signal Processing Units for RF remote sensing instruments, navigation and telecommunication payloads;
specifying and validating ASICs, FPGAs and digital devices related to radio frequency payloads/instruments;
participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
performing laboratory activities, as required;
monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
Experience in the development and verification of space hardware
Hands-on hardware experience
Experience with the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods
Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation, etc)
Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews

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

A Master's degree in Signal Processing, Electronics or Telecommunications for this post is required.

The following will be considered assets for this position:

• A very good knowledge in one of the fields of on-board digital signal processing techniques and technologies for optical, radio frequency and microwave payloads is required. Experience in several of these fields.
• A very good knowledge of artificial intelligence applied to on-board payload data processing.
• Professional experience in on-board image processing.
• Professional experience in ASIC and FPGA specification, design and verification.
• Experience in payload data handling.
• Some years of professional experience in the technical domains required for this position.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

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.

The closing date for applications is 16 March 2021.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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 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. (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.

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.

Apply at ESA's Website