Optical Instrument/Performance Modelling Support

Aurora is an established supplier of skilled manpower to ESA and in particular at ESTEC and ESAC. Aurora has the opportunity to expand our support to ESA in the domain of EOP – Earth Observation Directorate.
Happiness of our employees has proven key to obtaining excellent results and a client who also regards us highly for excellent service.

Overview

The Contractor will report to the Head of the Optical Instruments section. He/she will liaise with various members of the division, supporting the section in the area of instruments, optics technologies, calibration.

To support the Future Missions and instrument Division (EOP-8M) for the preparatory activities of new Earth Observation (EO) missions and to follow developments such as:

• To critically review the work performed by industry within studies run by the Division, mainly during phase 0 and phase A of the EO missions.
• To carry out general and specific space analysis and design tasks for  active optical payloads, such as lidars, under supervision of ESA staff.
• Review Technical Notes and actively participate to progress meetings related to on-going lidars and active optical instruments activities.
• Investigate, propose and support the follow-up of studies on optical instruments and technologies.

To support the Instrument Performance Engineering activities for future Earth Observation missions. In particular the tasks include:

• The development, implementation and validation of (complex) performance models of optical space-borne instruments, both passive and active instruments.
• The assessment of the instruments performance.
• The contribution to meetings within ESA, industry and potentially with users.

Specific qualification requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Physics with background in Optical Engineering.
• At least 4 years of relevant working experience.
• Good familiarity with computer programs such as Excel, Python, ….
• Good communication and technical writing skills.
• Methodical and proactive.
• Good general knowledge of ESA EOP missions.
• Experience in laser based optical payload concepts and performance modelling.
• Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team within the boundaries of assigned tasks and a stringent schedule.
• Fluent in the English language (spoken and written); knowledge of other languages is an asset.

Legal and Security Requirements

• All applicants must be legally allowed to work in The Netherlands
• Applicants are required to provide a copy of their passport and degree certificate. Aurora will validate the Degree with the issuing University and provide evidence to ESA.
• Prior to issuing a letter of employment the applicant shall provide to Aurora a recent official document declaring that they are of good conduct from the country where currently resident.

Location

The work will be performed at the European Space Technology and Research Centre (ESTEC) at Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Contract

• The selected candidate will receive good remuneration  in line with ESA Job Class.
• Will be registered for both social security and tax in the Netherlands.
• The standard working hours are 40 per week. There are 12 public holidays and an additional 30 annual days holiday.
• Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are of course included.
• Aurora assist with relocation both with support and financially.
• Aurora contributes to a company pension scheme.

To be considered  apply for this Position

Prior to 11 February 2022, please apply via our Job Application form quoting EOP-162 (RT-C/EOP-B-00162) as reference.

Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting them by 14 February 2022, 13.00 hours.

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