AOCS 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 TEC-SWC – Software & Control Systems Engineering.

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

Overview

Under this work package the Contractor shall support the Software and Control Systems domain – TEC the Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate in the following areas.

Definition and implementation of AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control Systems) for Earth Observation, Telecom, Navigation satellites and for Astronomy Observatories. The functional support provided to these projects (e.g. Sentinel, Earth Care, MTG, Alphasat, Small GEO, Galileo, GAIA, Solar Orbiter, …) includes:

• Participation to project reviews (SRR, PDR CDR, …).
• AOCS design, analyses and simulations (control loops design and modelling, FDIR, independent simulator set-up, functional verification and performance budgets).
• Review of AOCS SW implementation.
• Sensors and actuators selection and procurement support.
• AIV/AIT support (test benches, review of test plans and test results).
• Operations support (review of Operations Manual, rehearsal and LEOP).
• Support to in-orbit analysis.
• Conception, initialisation and supervision of corresponding enabling AOCS technology R/D: High Accuracy Pointing, Generic AOCS Architecture & Building Blocks, Innovative AOCS & FDIR Solutions including prototyping and tools development.
• Sensors and inertial actuators technology development: APS, Star Trackers, sun sensors, Earth sensors, magnetometers, gyros, accelerometers, magneto-torquers, reaction wheels, CMG’s.
• Development and utilisation of the Control Hardware Laboratory (e.g. sensor characterisation and testing).
• Maintenance, development and set-up of AOCS simulation tools.
• Participation to the elaboration and promotion of ECSS standards in the E60 domain.

In particular the tasks include:

• Support the ESTEC AOCS/GNC Sensors Unit for the development and procurement of sensors and actuators.
• The candidate must be familiar with general development process for hardware space equipment (key reviews, model philosophy). The Sensors Unit is in charge of gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers, APS detectors for star trackers, sun sensors, magnetic sensors and actuators, and bespoke GNC sensors such as navigation cameras, 3D cameras or Lidars for GNC.
• The candidate shall have background in optical sensors for AOCS/GNC, for instance Star Trackers.
• Knowledge in Software development and / or optics would be an asset.
• The post holder will have access to the Sensors Lab, where technologies can be independently characterized.
• The post holder shall provide regular Technical Reporting of the Hardware Development as well as contribute in the preparation and execution of project and technology studies reviews.

Specific qualification requirements

• A Masters degree in Engineering in Control, Electronics or Mechatronics.
• Proven experience in the design, tuning, analysis and simulation of AOCS systems in different project phases.
• HW knowledge (sensors, computer, actuators), with a special focus on star trackers.
• AOCS AIT at subsystem and system level.
• Proven knowledge of commercial model-based design tools (MATLAB).
• Ability to interface with industry.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively, autonomously and cooperatively in a diverse and international team environment, defining and implementing solutions in line with team and individual objectives, as well as project deadlines.
• A very good working knowledge of spoken and written English is essential.

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 for this Position

Prior to 28 December 2021, please apply via our Job Application form quoting TEC-SWC-768 (RT-C/TEC-SAS/00768) as reference.

Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting them by 3 January 2022, 13.00 hours.

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