System Modelling and Simulation 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 a System Modelling and Simulation Engineer  you will concentrate your activities on the following:

• Modelling of systems (including spacecraft, ground segment and other required auxiliary systems).
• Elaboration, development and promotion of tools for distributed and collaborative engineering.
• Support for mission simulation, science operations planning and scheduling and experiment operations verification.
• Elaboration, development and promotion of the concept of generic simulation testbeds (such as ATB), applicable for different projects, including preparation and promotion of relevant standards.
• Real-time simulation infrastructure and tools based on different platforms, including LINUX environments. This infrastructure can support both hardware-in-the-loop and man-in-the-loop simulation.
• Support to ESA project teams in activities related to the procurement of EGSE for space systems, subsystems and instruments including preparation of requirement specifications, monitoring of industrial activities, acceptance of industrial products and participation in project reviews.
• Support to ESA project teams in activities related to the development of space system database software and utilization including support to specification, architecture, implementation, software problem solving, exchange and interfaces with external systems, data modelling verification of consistency and completeness of data, compliance with technical documentation, project reviews.
• Visualisation and graphical user interaction on different levels, including MMI design,parameter visualization, and up to high-end 3-D real-time, interactive and immersive visualisation systems, also known as Virtual Reality (VR) simulation.
• Develop, integrate and maintain VR applications and the related technology.
• Maintenance of the EGSE- SCOS based reference facility and Space System Database reference facility to support prototyping of new technology; standards validation and evaluation of industrial methods and tools.
• Participation in the definition of standards for ground system and operations, electrical test facilities and modelling and simulation in the context of ECSS and ESA internal standardisation.

This position shall provide expert support in the field of Extended Reality (XR), which combines Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Based in the EGSE and Ground Systems section at ESTEC, a significant amount of the support will be provided to the XR team located at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, where XR technologies are envisaged for space operations training, space modules design, science preparation, future operations and haptics. In addition, XR activities in the space domain in general, and specifically in spacecraft testing shall be supported.

Other specific tasks are:

• To provide expert support on XR technologies, both on the software and hardware;
• To analyse, propose and document the most adequate XR software and hardware architectures, to achieve the various project goals;
• To collect and analyse user experiences (from trainers, operation teams, scientist), and to suggest improvements;
• To promote the use of XR technologies with end-users in the various ESA application domains;
• To maintain close contact with experts in the field, with ESA internal groups, industry and research institutions;
• To support the Agency's tendering actions in the related field, and to perform the technical oversight of industrial activities;
• To contribute to the ESA strategy on XR by providing inputs to roadmaps and workplans.

Successful Candidate

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

• An academic degree in Computer Science or Aerospace Engineering, or in another relevant engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience.
• A deep knowledge of XR (AR and VR) technologies, both of software and hardware.
• Experience with at least one commonly used 3D rendering engine (e.g. Unreal or Unity).
• Knowledge of software engineering processes and related standards.
• The capability to work in close collaboration both with ESA internal groups and with external entities.
• A proactive attitude and the ability to organise the assigned tasks efficiently and effectively
• Excellent interpersonal skills are needed, together with a high degree organizational and communication abilities, 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.