ESA

ECLS and Planetary Protection Engineer

Noordwijk, Netherlands

Full Time

23 minutes ago

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Job description

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

ECLS and Planetary Protection Engineer in the Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section, Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section within the Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division focuses on instrumentation development for microgravity experiments and exploration, environmental control and life support system (ECLS) design, engineering and verification and in situ resource utilisation (ISRU). It provides support to projects, preparatory programmes and technology programmes. Within this framework, the Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section is, among other things, in charge of the development of advanced life support systems, ISRU and supporting operational activities in human spaceflight, as well as payload development for microgravity and exploration activities.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

providing technical expertise and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of regenerative life support systems (such as MELiSSA), planetary protection and radiation protection
participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation 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 covering both long- and short-term needs;
participating as needed in activities:
- for regenerative life support system flight demonstrators (e.g. waste treatment) and ground-based activities in areas such as basic R&D;
- related to project tasks and the associated R&D in the field of planetary protection;
- in the field of radiation protection and monitoring;
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 across the Agency.

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

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Hands-on hardware experience

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Project support experience in a relevant domain

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 reviews

Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation

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 chemistry, biochemistry or process engineering with a focus on ECLS and genomics is required for this post.
Preference will be given to applicants with a PhD.

Additional requirements

Knowledge of radiation-related aspects and aspects of radiation interaction with biological systems is required
Knowledge of system engineering aspects would be an asset
Experience in chemical/biochemical process design
Experience in planetary protection, bioburden detection and quantification

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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 information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the 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 are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

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.