Vacature Navigation and Control Systems Engineer Job

Guidance, Navigation and Control Systems Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 18713

Date Posted: 28 May 2024

Closing Date: 18 June 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract : Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Guidance Navigation and Control System Engineer in the Guidance Navigation and Control Section, GNC, AOCS and Pointing Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Guidance Navigation and Control Section provides functional support to ESA projects in the technical field of GNC systems for planetary exploration orbiters and landers, launch and transportation systems, re-entry vehicles, new generation space vehicles for in-orbit robotic operations (including in-orbit servicing, in-orbit assembly and debris removal) and specialised applications such as rendezvous and formation flying.

The Guidance Navigation and Control Section carries out technology research in the field of GNC systems for space vehicles including interplanetary cruise, aero-assistance, precision landing, ascent, rendezvous and docking, re-entry, formation flying and drag-free systems. This covers in particular autonomous and fault-tolerant systems (including health monitoring systems), advanced guidance, control, estimation and optimisation techniques and tools, as well as the technology development of GNC sensors with a focus on vision-based navigation and hybrid navigation concepts.

Duties

You will report to the Head of Section and, within the above technical fields, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the area of GNC requirements analysis and trade-offs (for system, software and hardware units), GNC performance analysis and budgeting, GNC system, software and unit procurement, and GNC system verification and validation throughout all project phases, including GNC fault detection isolation and recovery (FDIR);
• participating in feasibility studies (including Phase 0 in the ESA Concurrent Design Facility), 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 managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs and addressing mission-enabling GNC system concepts as well as mathematical modelling, multi-physics simulation of complex spacecraft dynamics, advanced guidance, control, estimation and optimisation techniques and tools;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with an emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• laboratory activities for the evaluation and prototyping of new GNC systems and sensors, as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to dissemination of the results of activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Duties may also include supporting other activities within your area of competence.

Technical competencies

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and familiarity with the industrial landscape

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience with laboratory and field testing of relevant technical equipment

Experience in preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation)

Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews

General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the position, specifically in artificial intelligence/machine learning modelling environments and big data

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's in control or aerospace engineering is required.

Additional requirements

Proven experience in the development (design, analysis, simulation and testing) of GNC systems for space transportation, planetary science missions and/or exploration missions.
Preference will be given to candidates with proven expertise in two or more of the following areas related to the position:

• Dynamics and guidance of space transportation systems (atmospheric and/or orbital flight), interplanetary spacecraft, and/or landers in planetary or other space environments (Moon, asteroids, etc.);
• Methods and principles for local and global optimisation of space trajectories;
• Relative navigation technology (sensors and techniques, including data fusion) for space systems;
• Mathematical modelling and multi-physics/multi-domain simulation techniques;
• Classical as well as advanced (robust, adaptive, non-linear) control and filtering techniques;
• Control-structure interaction mitigation systems for orbital and/or space transportation vehicles;
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques and their application to mission-critical or safety-critical systems.
  

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

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 .

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 technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & 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.

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.

Functie:	navigation control system engineer
Startdatum:	01-06-2024
Ervaring:	Ervaren
Educatielevel:	HBO
Contracttype:	Vast
Salaris:	onbekend – onbekend
Uren per week:	1 – 40

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