Software Engineer for XMM-Newton

Software Engineer for XMM-Newton(SOE-44)

Aurora is an established and approved supplier of skilled manpower to ESA and in particular at ESTEC and ESAC. There is a great opportunity to join the Aurora team supporting ESA at ESAC, near Madrid, for the following work. In particular Aurora currently has more than 10 engineers supporting various missions at ESAC.

Overview

The Instrument Operations Team (IOT) within the XMM-Newton Science Operations Centre (SOC) at ESAC provides the System and Software Engineering support of the XMM-Newton Science Operations Control System (XSCS). It also performs support activities in the Science Operations area in close collaboration with the Mission Operations Control Centre (MOC) located at ESOC.

The main activities of this position should include (but are not limited to), software maintenance of the XSCS (XMM-Newton SOC Control System) subsystems. XSCS subsystems comprise:

SCOS 2000 based downlink subsystems PMS, ODS and QLA
Non SCOS 2000 based uplink subsystems for Proposal handling HRPS/XRPS/PHS and planning SGS
The Archive Management and the file transfer subsystems AMS and XFTS

Maintenance tasks will include both first and second line maintenance. The post holder will keep a strong interaction with the XSCS users on what concerns the daily operations of the XSCS systems. Maintenance activities include the setup and run support to the several chains where XSCS is installed, these are:

Operational chain (prime and backup), Reprocessing chain, Validation chain, Development chain and AO Chain (uplink system only).

Tasks

Configuration Control handling of XSCS software changes.
Maintenance and improvement of XSCS installation and operational procedures (plus documentation).
Support to the Science Ground Segment related activities (within the OSSG Team).
Maintenance, enhancement and integration into XSCS of external software packages which are embedded into XSCS.
Liaison (when applicable) with the MOC in relation to the synchronization of the common XMCS/XSCS and SCOS-2000 modules.
When applicable, ingestion into XSCS of new MOC deliveries and creation of SOC specific system branches.

Specific qualification requirements

All applicants must hold a valid passport from a country of the European Union.

University degree or equivalent in computer science or related fields

Specific knowledge is required in the following areas:

Proven experience in the development and/or maintenance of space observatory science control systems is an advantage. The candidate should be open minded and be able to understand the different subsystems as a whole (integrated systems).
Should enjoy working directly with the customers (OSSG Team, Community Support Team and Instrument and Calibration Scientists Team).
Programming experience in C/C++ within a professional environment.
Experience working with Version Control Systems (and in general with ESA’s planning, testing Q and documentation procedures).
Experience with scripting languages (Tcl, Perl and shell scripting).
Knowledge and experience with Data Base technologies (mainly ORACLE).
Experience and proficiency in Unix and Windows.
Development of Web applications (dynamic pages).

The selected contractors must be willing operate in a team environment. Good interpersonal and communication skills are an advantage. The contractor should be comfortable in an international working environment and be fluent in English, one of the official languages of ESA.

Location

The work will be performed at the ESAC, the European Space Astronomy Centre, at Villafranca del Castillo, near Madrid, Spain.

Contract

The XMM-Newton mission is planned until end 2012 and we offer a permanent position.

You will be registered for both social security and tax in Spain.
The standard working hours are 40 per week. There are 12 public holidays and an additional 27 annual days holiday.
Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are of course included.
Aurora can assist financially and provide recent experience information for relocation.

Summary

Aurora's successful formula is ensuring the happiness of employees and customers.

To be considered for this Position

Provide prior to 26 June 2009 a complete and detailed Recruitment Form to Mr. Alex Jeanes, user alexjeanes @ aurora.nl quoting reference SOE-44.

Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting their recruitment form to ESA on 1 July 2009. ESA will select the candidates for interview at ESAC and Aurora will provide for interview travel costs. Should ESA select you then a formal letter of employment shall be issued with an agreed start date.