Space Rider Ground Segment Engineer
Join the Space Rider Programme as a Ground Segment Engineer.
Overview
Join the Space Rider Programme as a Ground Segment Engineer.
You have:
- A master's degree in engineering or a related discipline is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Knowledge of the design and development of ground segment, landing site and mission operations.
- A structured and organised approach to work, including attention to detail.
- Capacity to work under pressure and to cope with stress and deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams and to interface with a wide range of technical stakeholders.
- Previous experience on the Space Rider activities, the operational ground segment design and the landing site would be an asset for the position.
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.
Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
Space Rider Ground Segment Engineer in the Space Rider Programme, Flight Programmes Department, Directorate of Space Transportation.
In your role of Space Rider Ground Segment Junior Engineer, you will report directly to the Space Rider Programme Manager and will be integrated in the Space Rider project team, with responsibility for the technical activities related to the development, validation and operation of the Space Rider ground segment and landing site in close interaction with the rest of the Vega and Space Rider Integrated Project Team.
You will be fully integrated into the Space Rider project team, interacting closely with the various engineering disciplines involved. You will also operate within the Vega and Space Rider Integrated Project Team, contributing to the coherence of system, subsystem and ground-related activities.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- the ground segment system definition, adaptation/development, qualification and in flight operations, including payload-related interfaces;
- the definition and verification process of the operational products related to LEOP, as well as the in-orbit and re-entry phases;
- the definition, development and qualification of the Space Rider landing site including thedevelopment/adaptation of all means necessary for supporting the re-entry, descent, landing and post-landing phases under the responsibility of the landing site providers;
- coordinating regular interface and operations meetings between the Ground Segment and Flight Segment teams, as well as with the Landing Site and Payload teams as needed;
- participating in all Space Rider landing site coordination meetings with the Portuguese Space Agency, as well as in landing site project reviews and technical meetings;
- participating in all Space Rider GS&O project reviews and technical meetings focusing on vehicle and payload operations;
- contributing to the definition and performance of system validation test campaigns andinterface testing activities with the landing site;
- being part of the ground operations team during in-flight operations.
Technical competencies
Knowledge of the design and development of ground segment, landing site and mission operations
Knowledge of system engineering aspects related to your area of responsibility
Knowledge of other technical domains which interface with your area of responsibility
Knowledge of space system development, PA and ECSS standards
Knowledge of ESA development, verification and procurement processes
Demonstrated experience in project development activities, including the preparation and carrying out of ESA reviews
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 and professional experience
A master's degree in engineering or a related discipline is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.
Additional requirements
- A structured and organised approach to work, including attention to detail
- Capacity to work under pressure and to cope with stress and deadlines
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams and to interface with a wide range of technical stakeholders
- Previous experience on the Space Rider activities, the operational ground segment design and the landing site would be an asset for the position
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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
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.
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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with ground segment design and development? | This assesses your relevant technical background and ability to apply it to the role. | Provide specific examples of projects or roles where you've engaged in ground segment design. |
| How do you prioritize tasks under tight deadlines? | The interviewer wants to understand your time management and organizational skills. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you had to work with a diverse team. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you explain your understanding of ESA's development and verification processes? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What measures do you take to ensure operational efficiency in project tasks? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you handle a conflict between project stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your approach to validation test campaigns and interface testing? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Tell us about a project where you had to adapt quickly to changing requirements. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |