Optics and Opto-electronics Engineer

We are looking for a ​Laboratory Engineer​ to complete our consultants Workforce Management Service to support the ​Optics and Opto-electronics Laboratory​ of the European Space Agency (ESA) at their location in ​Noordwijk, the Netherlands​. The purpose of this Support Service is to ​provide expert advice, evaluate promising novel technologies prior to industrial activities and independently assess the outcome of industrial activities in support to ESA’s projects in the field of Optical payload instrumentation and optoelectronic sub-systems​. 

The ESTEC Laboratories of the Optics, Robotics and Life Science Division are ones of a suite of unique world-class laboratories within The Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) of the European Space Agency (ESA). Within the domains covered by the Division, the laboratories currently implement numerous tests and engineering analyses per year across a range of disciplines. The laboratories host a wide range of analytical state-of-the-art bench top equipment, as well as multiple purpose-built facilities for specific environmental, electro-mechanic and optical testing. A common scope of all laboratories of the Division is to provide availability to state-of-the-art facilities for the training and education of ESA stagiaires and young graduates. 

Please note, the successful candidate will be employed by ATG Europe (or one of its subsidiaries). Furthermore, upon selection, they will be subject to a general security screening performed by an external provider (further information will be provided at the interview stage). 

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to: 

The Optics team is responsible for the following tasks in the field of Optical Engineering encompassing, but not limited to optical design and performance analysis, optical component technologies, optical payload development, integration, alignment, testing and basic data processing related to optical instruments; 

The Opto-electronics team is responsible for the following tasks in the field of detectors and focal plane technologies (covering the x-ray, ultra-violet, visible and infrared range), optical communication (also incl. adaptive optics, optical time & frequency links, feeder links), Lidars (incl. laser ranging), Photonics (incl. lasers, integrated photonics, fibre optics, RF-, micro- and nano-photonics) and quantum technologies (incl. quantum key distribution, cold atom interferometers, quantum sensors, optical atomic clocks, quantum memories); 

Task 1: Project Support 

• Technical support to ESA space programmes from phase 0 to phase E, including participation to system and sub-system design reviews, active follow-up and technical assessment of hardware design, manufacturing and testing and all associated analyses; 

• Technical support in the review of industry proposals during the ITT process (as external technical expert upon nomination by the service manager); 

• Technical support to CDF studies including expert contribution covering engineering assessment, analysis, provision of information for the reports and presentations; 

• Support in the design follow up using engineering tools, in particular performing cross analyses and shadow engineering of industry output; 

• Support in the organisation and participation of ESA and Industry led development reviews; 

• Support the performance analysis as required to support the development of components, equipment and subsystems; 

• Active participation as technical support to failure / NCR investigations and associated NRB’s; 

• Active participation as technical support to progress meetings, technical meetings / workshops, working groups as required; 

• Active participation as technical support to safety panel meetings, review of safety data packages and submit comments to the entities involved, support ISS payloads safety reviews, upon nomination by the service manager; 

• Provide lessons learned and propose updates to processes and procedures identified as part of the engineering support. 

Task 2 R&D Support 

• Contribution to the definition of studies which will lead to results of value and substance, in ESA important areas, which can be followed up in technology and project activities or can result in increased technical competence within the Section; 

• Contribution to the response to call for ideas under various funding programs within TEC or for other directorates (e.g. Earth Observation, Science, Connectivity and Secure Communications, Navigation, Human and Robotic Exploration); 

• Support to the implementation of technology development activities according to the agreed work-plans (TDE, GSTP, ARTES, etc.); 

• Support to the preparation of Statement of Work in line with the objectives of the activities and depending on the targeted output TRL level; 

• Support to the R&D Technical Officer in the R&D activities. 

ATG is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, handicap, or any other reason protected by relevant state or municipal legislation, we are pleased to consider all eligible candidates for employment. 

Please ensure that your CV clearly explains how you meet the mandatory requirements. If it doesn’t align completely with the essential criteria, it could result in rejection. 

• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Experimental or Applied Physics, Applied Optics, or Optical Engineering; 

• At least 4 years of relevant working experience in precision optical measurements at system, sub-assembly and component level; 

• At least 4 years of relevant working experience in precision photonics measurements including high power lasers at system, sub-assembly and component level; 

• Experience with test activity execution and test report preparation; 

• Experience with test procedure development and maintenance; 

• Experience with laboratory management; 

• Experience with inventory database, calibration & maintenance plan preparation; 

• Experience with routine tests on microsectioning and sample preparation (SMT, PCB, metallic, ceramic, glasses, CFRP, welds/brazes); 

• Fair experience of people management; 

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the EU;   

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken. 

Please submit your application in English via the apply button below. Applications submitted in other languages will not be considered.