On-Board Computer & Data Systems 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.

Overview

The On-Board Computer & Data Handling Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) on turn-key on-board HW Data Handling solutions with an emphasis on:

• Platform and payload data handling architectures and their building blocks (equipment/units, modules and key components).
• Units such as on-board computers, mass memories, remote terminals, instrument control units*.
•Digital and analogue signal processing electronics for payload/platform control functions.
• Front-end acquisition and processing chain electronics*.
• On-board data transfer interfaces, buses and associated protocols (high and low speed).
• Platform data handling functions related to security, data authentication, encryption, compression, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Use of microelectronics devices.
*except for RF payloads.

With regards to RF Payloads, you will report to the Head of Section and, within the technical fields described above, the main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Providing technical support to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of platform and payload data handling systems throughout all project phases.
• Participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals.
• Identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution.
• Contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes.
• Defining, initiating and supporting R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs.
• Fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with an emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures.
• Laboratory activities, as required.
• Monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise.
• Contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Specific qualification requirements

The candidate shall have:

• Master or PhD in electronics, networks, telecommunications or a related field.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in the fields of space hardware related to platform and payload data handling equipment (units, modules and boards). This includes the ability to design, review and simulate analogue and digital electronics for data handling units (use of FPGA/processors/micro-controllers, single-point-failure-free circuitry, failure containment techniques and use of COTS with radiation mitigation techniques).
• Proactive attitude to solving problems.
• Good organisational skills.
• A very good working knowledge of spoken and written English is essential.

Knowledge in the following fields will be considered as asset:

• Design and Use of Data Handling Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE).
• Design, validation and verification of AI/ML Processing Algorithm inferred on HW/SW platform(s).
• Design of electronic boards for radiation testing of analogue and digital circuitry based on COTS.

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 4 June 2021, please apply via our Job Application form quoting TEC-EDP-718 (RT-C/TEC-EDD/00718) as reference.

Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting them by 7 June 2021, 13.00 hours.

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