EO Technology & Frequency Management 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 Earth Observation.
Happiness of our employees has proven key to obtaining excellent results and a client who also regards us highly for excellent service.

Overview

Within the Future Missions and Instruments Division (EOP-ΦM), the Technology Coordination and Frequency Management Section (EOP-ΦMT) is responsible for two following main tasks:

• First, the identification of technology requirements for future Earth Observation (EO) missions. A solid collaboration with the other sections of the division and with other divisions in the EOP directorate and ESA’s technical directorate is essential for this work. The nature of the work requires a wide knowledge in engineering disciplines with a natural inclination for learning and understanding new technologies in connection to EO space systems.
• Second, the analysis and monitoring of the evolution of frequency needs for EO missions, including early concepts and potential interference conflicts with other communication services sharing the spectrum.

The Contractor will provide engineering support in the area of EO Technology Development for the following tasks:

• Support the identification of the technology requirements for future Earth observations missions, covering the whole spectrum (mainly platform and ground stations network, but also support to optical and RF instruments);
• Provide support to technology developments for future EO missions, in particular for the standardisation of the platform and for the communications with the ground segment;
• Initiate, conduct internal studies and support the review of the results of industrial activities and in the area of technology development and modelling of end-to-end system (e.g. data flow, technical budgets) or on-board sub-system aspects;
• Support the definition and monitoring of missions under preparation through, e.g. participation to reviews, assessment of industrial results, evaluation of proposals in reply to calls, including sub-system performance analyses or technology maturity aspects;
• Support the EO technology observatory function outside the EOP Directorate (e.g. ESA Technology Harmonisation, ARTES), and also outside ESA (e.g. other space agencies, Horizon Europe in the EC, commercial initiatives under NewSpace, and the potential spin-in from non-space sectors);
• Support the interaction within ESA and also with ESA’s Member States on EO future technologies e.g. through dedicated information days;
• Building up relevant IT repositories with information about technology developments or new mission concepts of relevance to Earth Observation.

The principle tasks in the area of Frequency Management will include:

• Supporting the preparation of technical studies and analyses related to frequency spectrum management and interference assessment;
• Development and use of software tool (based on STK and Matlab), such as RFI simulator, in line with ITU recommendations.

Specific qualification requirements

• The Candidate shall have a university degree (MSc.) in Engineering or physics with relevant background and experience in space projects and associated technology developments.
• The Candidate should ideally have several years of experience in the development of advanced on-board technologies for space applications, ideally in EO domain.
• Experience in Space Projects for Earth Observation.
• Experience with System (Performance) Simulation and End-to-End Satellite Data Flow, including data processing, is desirable.
• Knowledge of remote sensing techniques used in Earth Observation missions.
• Knowledge of Matlab, STK or similar tools.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team within the boundaries of assigned tasks and a stringent schedule.
• Pro-active in organising and building up electronic means to share the technology knowledge with larger groups.
• Proficient in the English Language (Spoken and Written).

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.
• 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 6 October 2021, please apply via our Job Application form quoting EOP-157 (RT-C/EOP-B/00157) as reference.

Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting them by 8 October, 13.00 hours.

If not directly interested, feel free to share by this Job Vacancy with your friends!