Propulsion Test Facilities & Services 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

Description

Propulsion Test Facilities and Services Engineer in Propulsion Test Facilities and Services, Infrastructure and Value Chain Department, Directorate of Space Transportation.

A number of propulsion test facilities have been designed and built as part of ESA’s space transportation programmes to cater for development and production test activities. They are operated either by public entities or private industrial actors.

You will support the Head of Propulsion Test Facilities and Services on technical and programmatic questions related to maintenance activities as well as the renewal and upgrade of ESA-owned test facilities. You will also contribute to cost evaluations and procurement actions.

Duties

You will report to the Head of Propulsion Test Facilities and Services and your detailed tasks and responsibilities will include:

• ensuring the maintenance in operational condition of the ESA-owned engine test facilities operated by industry and the public sector, and setting up and managing the corresponding contracts with the different operators.
• preparing the technical documents necessary for the establishment of maintenance contracts.
• evaluating the responses to Requests for Quotations and contributing to the negotiation of contracts.
• performing technical and programmatic follow-up of the maintenance contracts in direct collaboration with the operators.
• establishing a clear picture of the maintenance activities status.
• producing the test bench occupation planning.
• proposing and putting in place improvement actions (technical, financial and performance) and managing the action plan.
• ensuring clear inputs for the asset database of all the test benches with a particular focus on contract close-outs.
• proposing appropriate adaptations for the optimisation and modernisation of all facilities, with the objective of improving their attractiveness and decreasing their carbon footprint, as well as greening and digitalising testing processes.

Technical competencies

An engineering degree with a specialism in mechanics and/or fluid mechanics

Knowledge of European launchers

Good understanding of the technical and safety risks involved in chemical propulsion

Experience in testing activities, operations or maintenance

Demonstrated experience in project management

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

The following would be considered assets:

You have worked in several countries and are therefore familiar with a variety of cultures. You have a good mastery of English and other languages. You have a good understanding of ESA internal processes (such as procurement).

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.

Applicants must be eligible for security clearance by their national security administrations.

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 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 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.