On-board Computers and Data Handling Engineer

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.