Solar Generator Engineer

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Solar Generator Engineer in the Solar Generators Section, Power Systems, EMC and Space Environments Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Solar Generators Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the fields of space solar cells, space photovoltaics and space solar generators. Its activities include parts, materials, processes and technologies, electrical and mechanical design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing and in-orbit performance evaluation. Within this domain of competence, the Section also runs laboratory activities for the characterisation and qualification of solar cells, photovoltaic assemblies and solar panels, including problem investigation. In addition, it contributes to the definition of standards on solar cells, photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators.

Duties

You will report 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 field of solar cell and solar generator technologies throughout all project phases, including electrical and mechanical design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing and in-orbit performance evaluation;
• 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;
• 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;
• supporting tests and characterisation performed in the solar generator facilities of the ESA Space Power Laboratory.

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

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains including hands-on hardware experience covered by the position

Experience in the design, development and verification of space hardware

Experience in related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Project support experience in a relevant domain

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

Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's in physics or electrical engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Experience of solar cells and solar generators for space applications;
• Experience in technology, process development and manufacturing at part level of space solar cells and related components (e.g. Ge wafers, solar cell shunt diodes), and at subsystem level of space photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators;
• Experience with the electrical and mechanical design of space solar arrays, and the development and application of relevant tools and methods;
• Knowledge of the technology landscape for solar cells and their potential for space applications;
• Experience in the definition of specifications and test plans for space solar generators, photovoltaic assemblies, solar panel substrates and solar cell assemblies;
• Experience in the electrical design and evaluation of the in-orbit performance of space solar generators;
• Knowledge of mechanical design and thermo-mechanical properties of space solar generators and their components;
• Knowledge of space environment effects on solar generators;
• Experience in the definition and implementation of standards relevant to space solar cells, photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators;
• Experience in testing and characterisation activities.

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 technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & 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 can only be 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*.

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.

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Added 20 days ago - Updated 8 hours ago - Source: jobs.esa.int