Physical Sciences Instrumentation 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 AOL – Automation Optics and Life Sciences Support.
Happiness of our employees has proven key to obtaining excellent results and a client who also regards us highly for excellent service.

Overview of tasks

The incumbent will work in the Life support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section in ESA-ESTEC. The main focus of our work is sustainable life support technologies, In Situ Resource Utilisation and small payload development for manned and unmanned spaceflight. This position will strengthen our team for payload related activities.

The incumbent will:

• Implement and supervise R&D activities in the field of payload development for manned and robotic exploration missions.
• Support the flight implementation of scientific payloads – Implement and supervise R&D and flight demonstration activities in the area of In Situ. Resource Utilisation.
• Assistance in the provision of specific engineering support to ESA projects.
• Provision of support in detailed technical specifications of planned R&D activities.
• Assistance in the technical evaluation of development results, as well as designs from projects.
• Conceptual planning and implementation of test set-ups in the microgravity laboratory.
• Planning, setting-up and execution of test activities in the laboratory.
• Analysis, evaluation, reporting and interpretation of data of biological or physiological experiments.
• Support of Breadboard testing and sample evaluation for Life Support activities.

Specific qualification requirements

• PhD or Master in Physics, Engineering or Chemistry, with a focus on space science instrumentation, 3 or more years of experience in phase C/D payload implementation and MAIT and possibly related PA aspects, experience with optical payloads and/or mass spectrometry, good communication skills and teamwork capabilities.
• Experience in planetary instrumentation is an asset.
• Good knowledge of software and electronics is an asset.
• Good interpersonal communication skills, team oriented.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is mandatory, knowledge of another European language is an advantage.

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

Provide prior to 9 December 2022, please apply via our Job Application form quoting TEC-AOL-912 (RT-C/TEC-MMG/00912) as reference.

Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting them by 14 December 2022, 13.00 hours.

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