Payload Study Engineer

We are looking for a ​Payload Study Engineer​ on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA) for their location in ​Noordwijk, Netherlands ​.  

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 interview stage). 

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

• Overseeing the technical management of payload definition activities during the early phases (Phases 0/A/B1) of a given future mission in the study phase, including managing payload elements provided by ESA, Member States and/or international contributions; 

• Serving as a technical liaison with the study science teams, specifically addressing instrumentation aspects during the early phases of mission development; 

• Analyzing the design and architecture of instruments relating to plasma physics, planetary science, astronomy or fundamental physics; 

• Assuming the role of Book Captain by coordinating and preparing the Experiment Interface Document – Part A (or equivalent), in close collaboration with the study team; 

• Acting as the interface manager with instrument teams during Phase A or B1; 

• Coordinating the creation of payload-related documents for ESA internal reviews, including the Preliminary Requirements Review (after Phase A) and the System Requirements Review (after Phase B1); 

• Defining and implementing ESA-funded payload activities and pre-development activities, for both nationally- and ESA-provided payload elements, with the aim to reach the necessary definition maturity and technology readiness levels at mission adoption. Where relevant, collaboration with the PRODEX Office is essential;  

• Defining critical payload validation activity needs for securing mission adoption and liaising with the Payload Validation Section for their timely implementation;  

• Identifying and elaborating upon new instrument technologies required for the Science Directorate’s programmes, participating in the elaboration and implementation of Voyage 2050 technology development plans and closely monitoring nationally funded activities; 

• Providing expertise and support to payloads for projects under development as required, including participation in project reviews. 

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 essential requirements. If it doesn’t align completely with the essential criteria, it could result in rejection. 

• A PhD or Master's degree in engineering or applied physics; 

• At least 10 years of experience in a relevant field; 

• Experience with science instruments in all phases; 

• Experience in design, performance analysis, development and testing of various types of space instrumentation; 

• Experience in dealing with complex space payloads and space science technology development; 

• A well-developed system view and understanding of payload requirements and development needs, together with knowledge of payload technologies and general space instrumentation; 

• System engineering and understanding of system requirements and interfaces; 

• Candidate must be result oriented, a forward thinker, prove operational efficiency, and seek continuous improvement; 

• Ability of fostering cooperation, and relationship management; 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong social skills, and ability to build consensus among peers while building solid relationships with team members; 

• Candidates must be eligible to 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.