End-to-End Space Systems Communication Engineer
Job Requisition ID: 19236
Date Posted: 23 January 2025
Closing Date: 13 February 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External
Type of Contract: Permanent
Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality
Workplace:Noordwijk, NL
Grade Band: A2 - A4

DESCRIPTION

End-to-End Space System Communications Engineer in the End-to-End System Communications Section, End-to-End Systems Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The End-to-End System Communications Section handles both spacecraft Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) and Payload Data Transmission (PDT) techniques and technologies, space link communications, including RF, hybrid RF/optical systems, signal coding/modulation, ranging, tracking and time-transfer techniques, radio science experiments and proximity or intersatellite links, providing support to ESA projects and performing related design studies, research and development.

EDUCATION

A master’s degree in telecommunications engineering or electronics engineering is required for this post.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A strong background in communication system engineering applied to space is required.
Solid experience and expertise with TT&C and PDT systems design, development and testing is desirable.
You must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations.
You must be eligible for security clearance by your national security administration.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• assessing and defining architectures, techniques and technologies for end-to-end communications systems, including TT&C and PDT links, and designing the associated functions and techniques within the system, in particular modulation, signal synchronisation, digital signal processing, error control coding, combined (adaptive) high order modulation/coding and communication protocol stacks, from the physical layer up to the application layer;
• assessing the end-to-end (including user) TT&C/PDT communication system design and performance in real and simulated scenarios, including performance analysis, (dynamic) link budgets and data flow analysis and capacity and volume assessment, including interaction between different link layers, and assessment of related encryption and authentication functions;
• supporting projects throughout all phases in respect of the follow-up of industrial activities relating to end-to-end communication systems on the space, ground or user segments, including system level design and trade-offs, architecture design, system development, verification and acceptance;
• participating in Concurrent Design Facility work and design/feasibility studies in the domain of communications systems, supported with internal activities involving signal/data processing and software-based analytical, design, and validation tools, including mission analysis;
• implementing laboratory activities associated with end-to-end communications systems, including assessment of techniques and technologies (simulation, performance, functions), from the physical layer up to the application layer, and development, maintenance and usage of system tools, including simulators and concept breadboards;
• participation in the preparation of relevant standards and their impact/implementation in the framework of standardisation bodies, such as ECSS and CCSDS, and performing the associated technical work;
• 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 TT&C-/PDT-enabling and -enhancing concepts and techniques;
• fostering new application areas for multidisplinary activities in the end-to-end communications domain, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the preparation/evaluation of procurement proposals;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include providing support for other activities within your area of competence.