On-Board Data Handling and Hardware Data Processing Engineer

Job Expired

Noordwijk, Netherlands

Full Time

a year ago

Job description

 

Vacancy in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

 

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.

 

This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

 

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

 

Description

On-Board Data Handling and Data Processing Engineer in the On-Board Computer and Data Handling Section, Data Systems, Microelectronics and Component Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

 

The On-Board Computer and Data Handling Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research(R&D) what concerns in turn-key on-board Hardware Data Handling solutions with emphasis on: 

 

  • platform and payload data handling architectures and their Hardware building blocks (equipment and units, modules and key components);
  • units such as on-board computers (OBC), mass memories, remote terminals and instrument control units*;
  • digital and analogue signal processing electronics for payload and platform functions;
  • front-end acquisition and processing chain electronics*;
  • on-board data transfer interfaces, buses and associated protocols (high and low speed);
  • platform data handling functions related to security, data authentication, encryption and compression;
  • use of microelectronics devices;
  • implementation, inference, verification and validation of algorithms** on processing hardware platforms for space applications* in close collaboration with other discipline experts (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:

•    Expert technical support to ESA projects (identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution) for:
            o    the development, verification and validation of Data Handling Architectures and End-to-End Data Processing chain (incl. on-board data transfer buses and associated protocols) throughout all project phases
            o    the procurement of On-Board Computers, Mass Memories, Instrument Computer Units, Remote Terminal/Interface Units, and Payload Processing Units.
•    monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining a state-of-the-art expertise;
•    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;
•    laboratory activities as required;
•    contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

 

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

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
Hands-on hardware experience (in at least one of the following unit types: On-Board Computers, Mass Memories, Instrument Computer Units, Remote Terminal/Interface Units, and Payload Processing Units).
Project support experience (development, verification and validation of Data Handling Architectures and End-to-End Data Processing chain at instrument level or satellite level)
Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
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 audits and reviews.
Experience in technology roadmap definition and harmonisation

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A Master’s degree in electronics, electrical engineering, networks, telecommunications or a related field is required for this post.

Additional requirements

At least 5 years of professional experience in the development of Data Handling or Data Processing Units (On-Board Computers, Mass Memories, Instrument Computer Units, Remote Terminal/Interface Units, and Payload Processing Units) for ESA missions.
    
Knowledge in the following fields will be considered as assets:


-    Electrical Ground Support Equipment for supporting Data Handling/Processing Units developments (On-Board Computers, Mass Memories, Instrument Computer Units, Remote Terminal/Interface Units, and Payload Processing Units)
-    Electrical Ground Support Equipment for supporting instruments or satellite data handling/processing AIT activities.
-    Laboratory experience

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ   

 

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.     

 

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

 

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 email contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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Please note that applications are only 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*.  

 

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service. 

 

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. 

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

Job Expired