About this job

ESA is looking for a On-Board Computer and Data Handling Engineer.

Post

This position forms part of ESA’s Advance Recruitment Scheme which is established to provide appropriate staffing resources when requirements materialise.

Appointments are therefore made for an initial duration of two years upon which you may be appointed to a permanent post at the Agency.

Description

The On-Board Computer & Data Handling Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field(s) of:

• Platform and payload data handling architectures and their building blocks (equipment/units, modules and key components);
• Units such as on-board computers, mass memories, remote terminals, instrument control units (except for RF payloads);
• Digital and analogue signal processing electronics for payload/platform control functions;
• Front-end acquisition and processing chain electronics(except for RF payloads);
• On-board data transfer interfaces, buses and associated protocols (high and low speed);
• Platform data handling functions related to security, data authentication, encryption, compression, machine learning and artificial intelligence;
• Use of microelectronics devices.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of platform and payload data handling systems throughout all project phases;
• 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;
• 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.

Profile

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position;
• Hands-on hardware experience;
• Experience in the development and verification of space hardware;
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape;
• Project support experience in a relevant domain;
• Spacecraft systems knowledge;
• Experience in preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation);
• A good knowledge of the design, simulation, manufacturing and testing of platform and payload data handling equipment, modules, boards and components;
• Some years of professional experience in the field of hardware design supporting artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, and computer vision will be considered an asset.

Education

A Master’s degree in computer science, networks, electronics, telecommunications or a related field is required.

For a complete job description and to apply, click on “apply”.

The closing date for applications is 13 October 2020.

If you require support with your application due to a disability, please email contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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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, Canada and Slovenia.

We offer

The European Space Agency (ESA) is an equal opportunities employer that offers competitive salaries exempt from national income tax and excellent employment conditions, such as allowances for expatriates and relocation support.
For more information: http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA

About us

The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA is an international organisation with 22 Member States. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country.
Learn more: http://www.esa.int/