Overview

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany with a resident assignment to ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands or ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Description

Space Debris System and Mitigation Engineer in the Space Debris Office in the Space Safety Programme Office, Directorate of Operations.

The Space Debris Office acts as ESA’s focal point for space debris matters, and for services related to space traffic, with the goal of supporting ESA missions in all phases – from design to operation and disposal. Through ESA’s Space Safety Programme (S2P), technology development programmes, and Requesting Party Activities (RPAs), the Office supports the development of European expertise and capabilities concerning space debris.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of the Space Debris Office, you will have the following responsibilities:

Supporting projects and missions in all phases in their implementation of space debris mitigation requirements, and contributing to the further evolution and transformation of that support;
Defining, implementing, and leading the procurement of industrial services supporting space debris mitigation;
Contributing to the development of international space debris mitigation standards, and the related approaches to verification of compliance;
Supporting the specification, procurement, and management of debris‑related technology development and demonstration activities at all TRL, especially under ESA's Space Safety Programme, and the technology development programmes;
Proactive interfacing with internal and external stakeholders;
Supporting the system and/or instrument definition, manufacturing, and operational phase of space segments related to space debris missions;
Supporting the maintenance and further upgrading of space debris software and databases;
Supporting the Office's involvement in the Requesting Party Activities (RPA);
Supporting and managing outreach and training activities addressing space debris;
Participating in operational support activities;
Managing quality assurance tasks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

System engineering methods for space‑related projects and associated standards including ECSS and ESSB
Space debris mitigation and space traffic management approaches, including hands‑on experience in implementing them across all mission phases
Management of industrial activities through review processes, key performance indicators, and the application of service level agreements
Definition, procurement, and management of service contracts
Requirements engineering and interface definition
Knowledge of major space debris tools and database systems, as well as orbital mechanics software engineering methods and tools
Outreach and engagement with user communities

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education And Professional Experience

A master's degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or other relevant sciences is required for this post together with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Additional Requirements

A broad background in modern engineering methods is mandatory, preferably directly applied through the implementation of space debris aspects, with at least five years demonstrated relevant work experience;
Demonstrated experience in managing project support is required, preferably with several years of exposure in multi‑stakeholder settings;
Demonstrated knowledge of current methods related to mission analysis, spacecraft design, ground segments, and mission operations is mandatory;
Demonstrated application knowledge of modern project management methods, including cost, schedule, and risk aspects related to your area of responsibility;
Deep and broad knowledge of the European industrial landscape for space debris mitigation and space traffic technologies, and the demonstrated ability to define technology development roadmaps identifying future trends in technology requirements;
Knowledge of ESA’s programmatic environment, technology programmes, and the organisation and procurement processes of R&D and service activities;
Demonstrated experience in the design, testing, and operation of instrumentation would be considered an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at

Important Information and Disclaimer

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2‑A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

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ESA Space Mechanisms