Power Management Engineer
European Space Agency
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Power Management Engineer in the Power Systems Architecture Section, Power Systems EMC and Space Environment Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC).
The Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of power management and distribution for space applications, both primary or secondary, platform or payload. In particular, it covers power system design, power and energy budget assessment, power conditioning and distribution design and technology, analogue electronics for power systems, control of power systems, digital control of power systems, sensing techniques and high-voltage technology and design. Within this domain of competence, the Section is responsible for:
- defining, promoting and implementing, in line with anticipated technology trends and project needs, the Section’s contributions to ESA technology programmes and R&D activities;
- coordinating, where applicable, the requirements of technology elements in the Section’s domain of competence with the overall requirements of systems being developed under the responsibility of other D/TEC areas;
- maintaining state-of-the-art expertise, through the execution of the yearly plan for technical assessment and related hands-on activities, by keeping roadmaps up to date and driving the periodic harmonisation exercise in the Section’s domain of expertise, as well as by driving selected technology activities of specific importance for the Section or the Division and supporting the definition of European standards relating to the Section’s domain of competence;
- ensuring the development, maintenance and evolution of the engineering tools used by the Division in support of its duties;
- coordinating the Section’s laboratory activities with the Energy Storage and Power Laboratory Section in order to optimise the support provided by the laboratory team and to ensure proper prioritisation of tasks;
- participating in the early-phase design of power systems for future space missions.
Duties
Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:
- providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of Power Management and Distribution throughout all project phases;
- participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
- identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
- 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;
- fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
- laboratory activities as required;
- monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining a 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 supporting other activities within your field of competence.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Education
A master’s degree in electrical engineering, or a similar subject, is required for this post.
Additional requirements
The following will be considered assets:
Experience in the design of power systems at early-phase stages of space missions and the use of relevant tools
Experience in power system analysis, including power and energy budget assessment
Experience in DC/DC converter design and verification
Experience of power converter control
Experience of digital control and FPGA programming
Experience in the use of GaN and SiC switches for power conversion
Experience in the use of electrical simulation tools and the modelling of power conversion circuits and systems
Knowledge of secondary power system analysis and verification
Knowledge of distribution system analysis and verification
Knowledge of power processing units (PPU) for propulsion systems
Knowledge of power systems for SmallSats
A PhD in a relevant domain
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged. At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, 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.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.
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.
