Antenna Engineer

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 EDP – Electromagnetics Components Data & Power Systems Engineering.

Happiness of our employees has proven key to obtaining excellent results and a client who also regards us highly for excellent service.

Specific tasks

Task 1: Lab Coordination

• Manage lab activity schedules, prepare maintenance plans, and resolve conflicts with the ESA Lab Manager.
• Suggest facility improvements with cost estimates, ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and oversee access and security.
• Define and track staff competencies, organize necessary training, and manage access control.
• Prepare periodic reports, support accreditation processes (ISO 9001/9100), and conduct internal audits.
• Provide on-call services for after-hours emergencies.

Task 2: General Maintenance and Calibration

• Execute maintenance plans, calibrate equipment, and organize repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain up-to-date inventories, manage consumables, and dispose of obsolete equipment per ESA procedures.
• Ensure cleanliness and monitor lab conditions, including ISO 8 cleanroom standards.
• Interface with cleaning, facility management, and IT teams for infrastructure and operational needs.
• Maintain and support technical IT assets in alignment with TEC policies.

Task 3: Test Definition, Preparation, and Execution

• Analyze customer requirements, prepare test plans, and define setups and sequences.
• Create and validate test equipment, including RF modules, harnesses, and jigs.
• Conduct tests, monitor performance, troubleshoot anomalies, and document results.
• Coordinate logistics, integrate devices under test (DUT), and manage customer feedback.

Task 4: Facility Modification

• Support lab upgrades by detailing requirements, evaluating proposals, and commissioning new facilities.
• Prepare operational documentation, develop or update lab software, and integrate new systems.

Requirements

The post holder should have:

• Master’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
• General background in antenna technologies and experience in antenna testing (preferably in the space domain).
• General background in RF material characterisation.
• Good working knowledge of Near and Far field antenna testing systems (PNF, CNF, SNF, CR).
• Good working knowledge on propagation of EM waves.
• Good working knowledge on measurement uncertainties on antenna parameters and on RF material characterization.
• Experience in the end-to-end process of antenna testing activities: from initial feasibility assessment to delivery of test reports.
• Experience in the assembly, integration and test of Antennas and Payloads.
• Experience in the calibration of RF payloads and subsystems, including calibration of payloads based on phased array antennas.
• Experience in preparing and handling EGSE and MGSE.
• Experience in maintenance and calibration of general RF antenna laboratory test equipment and instrumentation.
• Experience with handling of space hardware (including flight models).
• General knowledge and experience in software development (e.g., Python, Matlab, LabView), preferably for RF equipment.
• Experience with operations at heights.
• Skilled in MS Office tools.
• Proficient in English (spoken and written).

Nice to have:

• Experience with Satellite AIT/AIV is an asset.
• Experience with handling submillimeter wave equipment is an asset.
• Experience with cryogenic equipment is an asset.
• Good working knowledge on latest antenna design and modelling software tools (e.g., Ticra, Ansys, CST) is an asset.
• IT skills supporting instrumentation network setup and data processing software development.
• Experience with CAD software is an asset.
• ISO accreditation experience and ISO auditing experience 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 15,7% of pensionable salary to a company pension scheme and employees can optionally make additional contributions.

To be considered for this Position

Prior to 11 December 2024, please apply via our Job Application form quoting TEC-EDP-1020 (Antenna Lab) as reference.

Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting them by 16 December 2024.

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