Secure Connectivity Lead Mission System Engineer for Preparatory Activities

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Secure Connectivity Lead Mission System Engineer for Preparatory Activities in the ESA Secure Connectivity System Office in the Secure Connectivity Programme Department of the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity is intended to support the effective development and validation of the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure and the services provided by it. The ESA Secure Connectivity System Office is responsible for the follow-up of the system design and development for IRIS², including the evolutions of the system.

The ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity includes activities to prepare the evolution of the EU IRIS² system. In the context of ERS (European Resilience System), the activity will include defining the enhancements of the EU IRIS² system services and functionality that will enable it to serve as a system-of-systems communication backbone (trusted transport layer) for future European governmental initiatives and needs.

Reporting to the Head of the ESA Secure Connectivity System Office, you will be responsible for all system engineering tasks to support the effective design and development of the ERS system of systems, including the necessary IRIS² evolutions as the ERS trusted transport layer. You will work at various levels: the ERS system level to define the functional and logical architecture of the system of systems, in close cooperation (i.e. in an integrated team) with the Directorates of Navigation and Earth Observation Programmes; and the IRIS² system level to ensure consistency in the architecture flow-down and required evolutions of the secure connectivity layer.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• managing and coordinating all multidomain ERS system-level engineering activities, targeting the definition of the overall system-of-systems architecture and requirements;
• defining the necessary evolutions in IRIS² to become the trusted transport layer of ERS with the desired functional, performance, operational, service and security requirements;
• following up the system-level phase A/B1/B2 studies up to the system-level preliminary design review (PDR); this PDR will have as the initial system reference the inputs of the PDR for the EU IRIS² system;
• leading the technical evaluation of prospective mission evolution scenarios, in alignment with the European Commission, ESA Member State delegations and industry;
• supporting the definition of a robust development roadmap for the implementation of the ERS system of systems based on the different building blocks (navigation, Earth observation and telecommunications);
• coordinating the definition of the transport layer within the ERS-EO in-orbit demonstrators;
• assessing the end-to-end performances of the future system of systems by integrating simulators of the IRIS² trusted transport layer and other components (LEO PNT, ERS-EO);
• supporting the definition of the security architecture applicable to all the elements of ERS and ensuring that it is coherent with the system-of-systems design;
• defining and implementing (or supporting implementation if developed under an existing programme) technology developments required to support the development of the transport layer of the system, assessing industrial and technological supply chain vulnerabilities and defining corrective actions;
• preparing and implementing all engineering and R&D activities directly relating to the development and implementation of the transport layer of the system;
• managing system-level reviews related to ERS Secure Connectivity;
• coordinating closely with the other ERS components (navigation and Earth observation) and with other offices in the Secure Connectivity department (space, ground, security and product assurance);
• coordinating closely with the IRIS² system architecture and system validation teams to ensure coherence in the system evolutions;
• coordinating closely with the European Commission for the implementation of the system of systems as part of the EU space programme.

Technical competencies

Experience in the design and implementation of large distributed space systems, with a strong security focus and security constraintsExperience in the implementation of large multidomain space programmes or projects, ideally in the areas of telecommunications, Earth observation or satellite navigationMultidisciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of system-of-systems architecture, the definition of the related technical requirements and on-ground and in-orbit validation activities Knowledge of and experience in system architecting in large, complex projects and teams, including security aspectsExtensive experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including technical and contractual negotiations, and management of technical reviews

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 a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

Experience in working with a telecommunications system prime company and/or operator is desirable
Experience in working in secure/dual-use environments or projects is highly desirable
You should be able to demonstrate that you can handle pressure and conflict as may typically occur in a project team
Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills
Strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
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.