Robotics Systems Engineer

Location: Noordwijk

Directorate:
Technology, Engineering and Quality

Robotics Engineer in the Robotics Section, Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Robotics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of space robotics systems, from manipulators to autonomous vehicles, and laboratory testing in support of automation and robotics in manned and unmanned missions.

The Section specialises in system engineering of space automation and robotics systems. Space robotics is a highly multidisciplinary area that depends heavily on the underlying space disciplines of structures, mechanisms, avionics, on-board software, ground operations and communication. Bringing all these disciplines closely together in a single system that moves and interacts physically with its environment, and with humans with a certain degree of autonomy, creates a complexity that constitutes in itself a new discipline.

System engineering of space automation and robotics systems is the discipline of specifying, designing and ultimately validating space automation and robotic systems that fulfil utilisation needs under defined environmental and operational constraints.

The Robotics Engineer provides engineering expertise within the robotics domain. This includes functional support to ESA projects, managing R&D activities, advancing technology development, contributing to the Agency's technology programs, and fostering innovation. Additionally, the Robotics Engineer supports knowledge sharing and standardization efforts to ensure quality, consistency, and the effective transfer of knowledge across the Agency. The Robotics Engineer may be responsible for laboratory activities, if applicable.

Duties
The elements below highlight the types of responsibilities and tasks that a Robotics Engineer can carry out when supporting space projects and programs r specific duties will be further defined depending on the final appointment.

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, the main tasks and responsibilities will include:

1. Technical expertise and project support

Providing technical expertise, functional support, and consultancy in the technical domain of space robotics to the Agency's project teams responsible for the development of space systems and segments throughout all project phases.

Contributing to the design, development, verification, and testing of a (sub) system to meet its technical requirements and integrate into the overall space systems and segments.

Identifying critical development problems and supporting their resolution.

Applying relevant engineering standards and methods to ensure quality and consistency.

Providing technical expertise to feasibility studies, project reviews, and evaluation of procurement proposals.

2. R&D management, technology , and innovation development

Defining and initiating R&D activities in a specific technical domain for both long- and short-term needs.

Managing R&D activities in collaboration with industry, including the development of requirements, Statements of Work, evaluation of proposals, contract oversight, and participation in reviews.

Contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans in the Agency's technological programs.

Exploring multidisciplinary application areas, focusing on innovative concepts and advanced technologies.

Monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise.

3. Knowledge sharing and standardization

Contributing to the dissemination of the results and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency through active knowledge-sharing efforts.

Supporting knowledge-sharing efforts and initiatives, in particular related to the technical field.

Contributing to the continuous improvement and evolution of engineering best practices and standards.

4. Laboratory activities

Managing laboratory maintenance and operations, including quality and infrastructure management as required.

Leading and performing laboratory activities, including testing of relevant (sub) systems, instruments, and equipment, as required.

Leading and supporting field test activities to validate and verify robot systems of R&D and project origin.

Duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of expertise.

General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Multi-year experience with laboratory/field testing of robotic planetary/orbital systems and their ground truthing

Experience in general design, verification and validation means used in orbital and planetary robotics

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as statements of work and proposal evaluation

Core values and attributes:

Result Orientation

Operational…