European Space Agency
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On-board Computers and Data Handling Engineer
Workplace:
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
On-Board Computer and Data Handling Engineer in the Data Handling Section, Avionics and EEE Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The Data Handling Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) concerning turn-key on-board hardware data handling solutions, with an emphasis on:
- platform and payload data handling architectures and their building blocks (equipment/units, modules and key components);
- units such as on-board computers, mass memories, remote terminals and instrument control units*;
- digital and analogue signal processing electronics for payload/platform functions;
- front-end acquisition and processing chain electronics*;
- on-board data transfer interfaces, buses and associated protocols (high, medium and low speed);
- platform data handling functions relating to security, data authentication, encryption/decryption and compression;
- the use of microelectronics devices, including COTS;
- the implementation, inference, verification and validation of algorithms** on processing hardware platforms for space applications* in close collaboration with other discipline experts, such as software, microelectronics and applications engineers.
* except for RF payloads.
** including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms.
Duties
Reporting 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 fields of on-board computers, platform and payload data handling and processing systems throughout all project phases;
- participating in feasibility studies, project reviews, and evaluations 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 addressing both short- and long-term ESA mission needs;
- fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies, and system architectures;
- conducting laboratory activities as required;
- 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 and lessons learned across the Agency.
Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.
Technical competencies
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 degree in electronics, electrical engineering, networks, telecommunications or a related field is required for this post.
Additional requirements
At least 10 years of professional experience in:
- the design, review, simulation and verification of end-to-end processing chains and data handling architectures;
- the design, review, simulation, manufacturing and testing of platform and payload data handling and processing equipment, modules, and boards, with a particular focus on on-board computers;
- the use of FPGAs/processors/micro-controllers, the design and implementation of single-point-of-failure-free circuitry, failure containment techniques and the use of rad-hard components/COTS with radiation mitigation techniques for the implementation of platform and payload data handling and processing equipment;
- implementation and testing of data handling and processing modules and units in a laboratory environment.
Knowledge in the following fields will be considered an asset:
- Design of data handling and processing electrical ground support equipment (EGSE);
- Knowledge of security protocols and functions, such as encryption, decryption and authentication, and their hardware implementations, as applied in avionics and data handling systems;
- Failure Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) design and analysis for avionics and data handling systems;
- Implementation, inference, training, verification, and validation of machine learning algorithms on hardware platforms for space or terrestrial applications;
- Knowledge of Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies for the modelling and design of avionics and data handling systems;
- Participation in technical and organisational committees for conferences and workshops.
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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