Optical Payload Engineer (ESA-ESTEC)

Package Description

What we offer if you join our amazing team:

• Competitive Salary 

• Corporate Benefits Package 

• Support provided to EU Nationals requiring relocation – Information available upon request

• Company events

• Access to training 

• Access to the sport and social recreational facilities at ESTEC Escape Recreation Centre

Job Introduction

Serco are a trusted provider of services to National Space Agencies and the European Space Agency (ESA), we have over 40 years’ experience supporting the space sector and providing services for all stages of our customer’s space missions.

Main Responsibilities

As an Optical Payload Engineer will concentrate your activities on the following:

• Provide support to the instrument and ground segment engineers for the analysis of IPF acceptance test data sets (calibration and monitoring products and in some cases science products). Mission Analysis.
• To assist the project during system level tests (IST, SVT and MTL, for example) with the analysis of data sets primarily concerning the instrument(s) and Star tracker telemetry.
• Supporting the commissioning phase activities in the form of preparatory activities and post launch analysis and monitoring of payload data sets. To off-line process science data acquisitions over calibration regions to generate stack data for diagnostic purposes.
• Support changes to the Project monitoring facility (in the form of new or upgraded outputs) interfacing with the instrument and ground segment engineers.
• Provide support to Project GSOV in the form of operating level 0-L1a-L1b-L2 processors to provide off line products and diagnostic data sets. Interfacing with ground segment engineer.
• To understand the low level functioning of the level 0 –level 1b science, monitoring and calibration processors. In particular, all level 0 –level 1a chains and level 1a-1b LRM chain.
• Interfacing with the instrument and ground segment engineer.
• To support the lead investigator (via interface with the instrument engineer) with the statistical analysis of simulated ocean stack and level 1b data in order to determine the apparent cause of a statistical no-conformance which may or may not be linked to simulation features.

This is a position for an Optical Payload Engineer, supporting the Earth Explorer Mission Programme in Earth Observation Project Department, in particular EarthCARE, Harmony and potentially other project (e.g Scout Project). The additional tasks described below describe support work to be undertaking during the development phase of a project namely Phase B2/C/D/E1. The work should be executed by a suitably qualified on-site contractor. The tasks are applicable to all EarthCARE Optical Instruments (ATLID, MSI, and BBR) and to Harmony Thermal InfraRed Instrument and shall comprise:

• Provide support for the review of proposed Optical Instrument design and verification activities at unit, instrument and system level making corrective inputs as required, ensure compliance with Instrument requirements.
• Provide support for the review of proposed in-flight and on-ground calibration and characterization activities making corrective inputs as required.
• Provide support for the review of the Instrument specific elements of Ground Support Equipment design and implementation.
• Participating to test preparation and execution reviews, witnessing of qualification & acceptance tests and technical assessment of test results with participation to NRB’s in case of anomalies,
• Provide support for the instruments delivery, operations, integration and test at satellite level;
• Support for the preparation and execution of instrument commissioning.
• Case by case support to other spacecraft verification areas as required.

Successful Candidate

Do you think you are the person we are looking for? See below what experience or knowledge you should bring:

• University degree (Masters/PhD) in Engineering.
• At least 4 years of space projects experience relevant to the Task Description, in particular in Optical instrument design and verification, electronics, instrument control and operations.
• Familiarity with instrument testing and instrument GSE specification and design.
• Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team within the boundaries of assigned tasks and a stringent schedule.
• Good communication skills also regarding written reporting.
• Experience in data processing of space and airborne radar systems and relevant to the task description.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are needed and comfortable with working in a diverse and multinational team environment
• Problem solving mind set and high capacity to deliver are highly considered.
• Proficient in the English language, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of another EU member state language is an asset.

About the Company

Why should you join Serco ?

At Serco not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play.

Meaningful and vital work - You’ll contribute to methodologically intercepting challenges whilst achievements will also be recognised and celebrated.

A world of opportunity - You’ll be wholeheartedly supported with development and career progression

Great people - You’ll become an integral member of a well-defined and supportive team who believe passionately in the value of our work. We are a company passionate about diversity and inclusion. 

About Serco

Serco Europe has operated in the Netherlands and Spain over the past 30 years, mainly in the field of Space. Serco Netherlands and Spain have a long history of partnership and trust with the European Space Agency (ESA).

In both countries, Serco is proud to deliver the highest calibre of people and services at ESTEC (ESA’s technology and engineering hub) and ESAC (ESA’s Astronomy and Science centre).

At the heart of its business, Serco Netherlands and Spain source, train, care and support employees, enabling them to better pursue their dreams of working in the Space industry in excelling in the delivery of essential public services.

Important:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.

Applicants are reminded that they will be requested to produce such documentation during the recruitment process.

Please contact a member of the recruitment team if you require further details of acceptable types of documentation required for verification of identity and work authorization. 

Data Protection:

For more information on how the personal data in your application is process, please see the link Data Protection policy here.