Lead End-to-End Performance Engineer - Lunar Lander, Noordwijk

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, D/HRE is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working— or will live and work in the future — for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

Argonaut is aimed at providing autonomous European capability for regular large robotic surface missions for an extended duration. The programme will provide the possibility to conduct independent missions if required, and will make a significant and visible contribution to the sustainable international exploration of the lunar surface.

The Argonaut campaign relies on a key transport capability, the Lunar Descent Element (LDE), which will be used to carry the passenger that contains the payload, such as logistics cargo, scientific cargo, infrastructure or rovers.

As Lead End-To-End Performance Engineer, you will report to the Argonaut Evolution and Production Team Leader.

Description Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

Coordinating the end-to-end lander performances (including allocation to spacecraft subsystems) as services to the mission (interface budgets, CONOPS and models)

Interfacing with the mission stakeholders for the maintenance and evolution of mission requirements

Coordinating the work of the landing site selection group, in line with mission analysis contributions

Leading the assessment of the end-to-end system performance, including:

on-ground test data processing before launch

post-flight analyses, cross-verification of in-flight data with simulator data, identification of critical parameters, correlation of ground and space segment models and support for any anomaly investigations

the capture of the outcomes for the benefit of the overall Argonaut campaign

Interfacing with ESOC and other partners (e.g. calibration/validation teams) in order to coordinate the lander in-flight performance verification activities

Supporting project management for the technical interface between ESA and partner organisations

Providing regular reporting on all aspects of your area of competence, identifying risks and problem areas, and proposing mitigation actions

Contributing to the management of the schedule, and proposing schedule risk mitigation actions

Supporting programmatic aspects

Supporting interactions with delegations and partners

Supporting the development of the Argonaut Digital Twin

Supporting the Argonaut Evolution and Production Team Leader for other tasks, as mutually agreed

Technical competencies

Multi-disciplinary knowledge of your area of responsibility

Knowledge of industrial cost and schedule aspects

Knowledge of other technical domains with interfaces with your own area of responsibility

Space system development and PA standards

Complex project risk management processes

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with four years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

Ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context

Ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and integrity as well as to support others in this process

Proven track record in the use of complex modelling tools

Proven relationship management and oral/written communication skills

Excellent cognitive, analytical, planning and organisational skills

Proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external parties

Experience in completing a full spacecraft development cycle would be considered an important asset

Previous experience in delivering flight hardware under very stringent and challenging schedule conditions would be an asset

Important information

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests

Successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures

ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position

Nationality and languages

Applications are only considered from nationals of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

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