Description

As System Engineer, you will be a member of the LEO Cargo Return Service (LCRS) Team within the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration (HRE) Programmes, assigned as integrated support from the Systems Engineering Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. You will report to the LRCS Team Leader for the specific responsibilities and duties outlined below.

You will be responsible for systems engineering activities for the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Cargo Return Service development and demonstration mission(s) to the ISS, potential future services to commercial space stations in LEO and the potential evolution to a crew transportation service or cargo return service to and from the Gateway in cislunar space.

You will be part of the LEO Cargo Return Service team located at EAC. 

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

–    responsibility for all systems engineering activities, ensuring that the overall LCRS architecture meets performance needs;
–    reviewing contractors’ plans, specifications and effort proposed for the execution of the engineering activities;
–    monitoring the definition and verification of system requirements;
–    monitoring the industrial contractors in the implementation of the technical activities as part of service development contracts;
–    performing the engineering review of the industrial data packages;
–    participating in project reviews, representing ESA in boards and development milestones (in accordance with the industrial contracts);
–    providing technical assessment of the achievement of development milestones;
–    processing non-conformances, waivers, deviations, request for approvals, anomalies and requirement closure data;
–    managing external technical interfaces, in particular in relation to ISS interface requirements;
–    supporting at system engineering level the certification with regard to external interfaces and safety boards; 
–    supporting the planning and coordination of engineering support for the LCRS team;
–    supporting discussions with international partners;
–    supporting the potential future evolution to a crew vehicle or cargo return service to cislunar space.

You will also participate in periodic meetings with the parent Division, contributing to the transfer of technical knowledge and lessons learned across the Agency.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s in a scientific or engineering discipline is required.

Additional requirements

You should have the ability to adapt to new working methods and environments. You must be able to build supportive working relationships, communicate effectively and contribute to fostering positive attitudes to change and thus to the success of an innovative programme.

In addition, you should have:
–    strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
–    strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day challenges proactively and constructively;
–    the ability to anticipate risks and identify the need for additional expert support in a timely manner;
–    understanding of and experience in tailoring space standards.

Previous international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to the activities of ESA, would be an asset.
You should have a background in space systems.
Experience in human spaceflight missions and operations involving rendez-vous and re-entry would be an asset.