Officer for End-to-end Fluidics

Lead the qualification of Vega-E fluidic functions.

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ESA - European Space Agency

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Friday 27 Jun 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Lead the qualification of Vega-E fluidic functions.

You have:

  • A master's in a relevant engineering field is required.
  • A Ph.D. with proven research activities in space propulsion is considered an asset.
  • Direct experience in the development of Vega-related products would be considered an asset.

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of 4 years.

Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description

Officer for End-to-End Launch System Fluidics, Vega and Space Rider Launch System and Engineering, Flight Programmes, Directorate of Space Transportation.

Under the authority of the Vega and Space Rider Launch System and Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for the definition and execution of the workplan for the achievement of the end-to-end qualification of Vega-E fluidic functions. You will bring in Vega IPT a critical competence only used for Launch Systems. You will have to manage the complexity of integrated working with Industry.

Duties

The definition, verification and validation of end-to-end fluidic functions are vital for a launcher adopting cryogenic propellants. You will be responsible for setting up and implementing with industry a workplan for the verification and validation of the launch system fluidic functions for Vega-E and HTE.

Your duties and responsibilites will include:

  • Requirement Verification Plan;
  • Launch System fluidic functions identification, definition and verification/validation;
  • identification and specification of test requirements;
  • verification Control Documents demonstrating that the suite of verification and validation activities at all levels of the Launch System Product Tree satisfy the qualification requirements and secure a smooth exploitation phase from the very early phases;
  • supervising the specification and development of the ground control software necessary to implement the Launch System functions;
  • possibly defining and starting ESA internal development of end-to-end analysis tools used to generate predictions of tests results, timing of operations, identification of critical courses and therefore functional design validation beyond tests;
  • defining technical support activities to be implemented by the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (TEC) and agreeing the relevant workforce allocation;
  • ensuring that all technical risks, notably the ones that may induce damaged to people and installations, are identified and sufficiently mitigated or propose risk mitigation actions.

Technical competencies

Strong background in the design, development, assembly, integration, testing and acceptance of cryo liquid propulsion systems for space transportation applications.

Knowledge of the management of technical activities in the above.

Knowledge of cost and schedule aspects related to area of responsibility.

Knowledge of control software development.

Knowledge of space system development and PA standards.

Knowledge of project risk and schedule management

Knowledge of ESA development, verification and procurement processes.

Direct experience with launcher development.

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

A master's in a relevant engineering field is required.

Additional requirements

A PhD with proven research activities in space propulsion is considered an asset.

Direct experience in the development of Vega-related products would be considered an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness 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.

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 via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer 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.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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

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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

Potential interview questions

How have you managed the verification and validation of complex engineering projects? This question assesses your experience with project verification and validation. Discuss specific projects where you implemented effective management strategies.
Can you describe your experience with cryogenic propellant systems? The interviewer wants to know about your technical background in relevant propulsion systems. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle risks in engineering projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your approach to fostering cooperation among team members? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a successful project where you defined and implemented a workplan. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure operational efficiency in your engineering tasks? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you implement for continuous improvement? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain how you manage technical documentation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.esa.int