LSTM Instrument Performance 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 EOP – Engineering Support to Earth Observation, for the specific mission of LSTM.

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

Specific Tasks

Optical Multi-Spectral Radiometer Performance Simulation

• Develop a simulation framework and ad-hoc tools in Python derived on the LSTM instrument mathematical model description for key performances of the LSTM instrument including but not limited to spatial (MTF, PSF), spectral (ISRF), radiometric (SNR, Absolute and relative radiometric accuracy) and pointing performances.
• Run simulation cases as instructed by the principal instrument engineer and the e2e system performance engineer of the LSTM project, including simulation cases involving non-uniform scenes
• Perform shadow simulation of delivered analyses by industry. Follow industry work and report any major technical or programmatic problem related to performances.
• Perform statistical analysis on large sample of data points. Process test data and provide support to data analysis
• Support payload, subsystem, and unit-level reviews related to instrument performance.
• Assist in assessing NCRs/RFDs/RFWs impacting performance and error propagation.

Support to Instrument Data Simulator (IDS) & Ground Processor Prototypes (GPP)

• Review and support the development of IDS and GPP Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents (ATBDs), ensuring accurate modeling of instrument physics.
• Analyze and validate IDS/GPP processing chains using Python for error and sensitivity analysis.
• Attend IDS/GPP meetings and track project documentation.

Support to Project Reviews

• Support the ESA LSTM team in System and Instrument level reviews on all aspects relating to performance engineering and verification.
• Trace actions in Eclipse and chase close-out of actions.

Specific qualification requirements

• Physics and applied mathematics background (Master’s level) with a focus on optics and photonic detection chain simulation.
• Instrument hardware knowledge for this position is a must.
• Strong analytical and programming skills, including Python, numerical methods, and statistical analysis.
• Understanding of optical instruments and key technologies (filters, optics, detectors) as well as optical radiometer performance metrics.
• Experience in simulating physical processes, both analytically and numerically.
• Knowledge of image quality metrics, relevant simulation tools, and radiometric quantities.
• Understanding of error propagation in optical measurements.
• Good organization and communication skills.
• A good knowledge of the English language.

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 15,4% of pensionable salary to a company pension scheme and employees can optionally make additional contributions.

To be considered for this Position

Prior to 17 April 2025, please apply via our Job Application form quoting EOP-208 (LSTM Instrument Performance) as reference.

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