Description

Experiment System Engineer in the Planetary Exploration and Solar Systems Missions Section (SCI-FEP) within the PRODEX Office (SCI-FE), Future Missions Department (SCI-F), Directorate of Science.

PRODEX is an optional programme dedicated to the development of scientific instruments and experiments for space science missions. Within the PRODEX Office, the Planetary Exploration and Solar Systems Missions Section (SCI-FEP) is responsible for addressing in particular for the implementation and monitoring of PRODEX activities and developments related to the solar and planetary exploration ESA missions (e.g. PLATO, Envision, Comet Interceptor), and the ISS. Developments in other domains of activities handled by the Office may also be entrusted to the section (e.g. in Extrasolar planetary Sciences, Earth-observation developments). Support to studies and developments for Astrophysics missions may also be considered.

The Future Missions Department is responsible for preparing future missions, as well as defining and implementing Small / Fast missions within the Directorate of Science (e.g. SMILE, Comet-Interceptor, ARRAKIHS).

Duties

You will be responsible for implementing and monitoring several PRODEX activities assigned to you, with an emphasis on scientific space Instrumentation development. The developments may involve industry and/or scientific institutes and may cover either a full instrument or instrument subsystems contributions.

Specific duties include:

• establishing the overall work programme for the development of PRODEX experiments within the scientific institutes, in line with the instructions from the relevant delegations;
• monitoring technical, schedule and financial status of experiment developments, identifying potential problem areas and proposing remedial actions;
• assisting, in coordination with scientific institutes and project teams, in preparing tender documents, participating in proposal evaluations, preparing for contract negotiations and subsequently monitoring the end-to-end development of projects/activities contracted to industrial consortiums;
• supporting the review of project implementation proposals and implementing new development activities as assigned;
• liaising between scientific institutes and industry for the duration of the contracts; interfacing with internal ESA project teams or specialists on technical/programmatic matters and with the relevant financial and procurement experts on financial and contractual matters;
• acting as the focal point for technical and administrative interfaces between the PRODEX experiments and your Head of Section;
• regular reporting to your line manager on the status of the activities and any difficulties encountered, including written input as requested.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Results Orientation

Operational efficiency

Fostering cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous improvement

Forward thinking

Education

A PhD or master’s degree in physics or space engineering, instrumentation engineering is required for the post.

Additional requirements

You should also demonstrate an ability to:

• apply a systems-oriented approach to each project and partner, taking due consideration to technical, financial and schedule aspects;
• proactively engage with and coordinate a diverse range of internal technical experts;
• collaborate with external partners including scientific institutes/industry, while considering programmatic constraints;
• anticipate problems before they escalate and propose solutions that align with the overall goals of the PRODEX Office;
• show flexibility in dealing with day-to-day operational challenges, while demonstrating strong planning and organisational skills;
• show a high level of motivation and dedication, taking ownership and act proactively;
• work independently while providing regular feedback to your line manager, seeking support where necessary;
• clearly and convincingly present complex technical issues thanks to your excellent written and verbal communication skills.