Test & Validation Engineer for the Planetary Defence Division in GERMANY

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come.

We are looking for a Test & Validation Engineer in the Planetary Defence Office to work at the European Space Agency’s premises in Darmstadt, Germany.

About the client and location

The Planetary Defence Office (PDO) at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, is part of the European Space Agency (ESA) and plays a crucial role in monitoring and mitigating potential threats from near-Earth objects (NEOs) like asteroids and comets.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Provide input to the procurement process of T&V work and attend related meetings.
• Contribute to the management of work plan and other PD-related industrial activities.
• Identify, document and process software change requests (SCRs).
• Support the installation, validation and management of SCRs.
• Collaborate with ICT on the delivery and installation of software.
• Interface with the Space Safety IT group to support the deployment and operation of IT infrastructure and software.
• Support the PD Segment managers on the development and definition of plans.
• Manage the administration of the PD SharePoint.
• Support outreach activities in the PD area.
• Coordinate with other ESA units on technical activities.

Architectural Activities and Analysis Software Development

• Assist in the definition and development of tools to support the PD system analysis and data visualization.
• Setup and operate the tools on request and document the results.
• Support the PD Segment managers in the definition and review of outputs from studies.

International Standards Development

• Represent the PD segment in the CCSDS MOIMS.
• Review the output of the CCSDS MOIMS and provide input where necessary
• Support the biannual CCSDS meetings.
• Support the CEN/CENELEC work.
• Coordinate data format developments relevant for PD within ESA.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• MSc. or equivalent academic degree in Physics, Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering or a similar applicable field.
• Demonstrated experience in at least three of the following areas: PD science, asteroid space missions, observation techniques, and space systems engineering.
• Knowledge of system operations (automated and manual).
• Knowledge of internationally recognized standards related to PD applications e.g. the Data Exchange Standard.
• Demonstrated knowledge in algorithm and software development, testing, validation, and operations.
• Experience in working in geographically distributed multi-national project teams.
• Experience in work package and project management tools and methods, ideally in the ESA/Space Safety context.
• Fluency in English.
• It would be an advantage to have knowledge of ESA's tailored ECSS methods for software development and testing.

Why should you apply?

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.
• We welcome applications from people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, all genders, LGBTQ+ individuals and ex-service personnel.