Microelectronics Engineer Noordwijk, NL

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Microelectronics Engineer in the Microelectronics Section, Data Systems, Microelectronics and Components Technology Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Microelectronics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field of integrated circuits (ASICs, ASSPs, FPGAs, microprocessors and microcontrollers).

You will report 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 microelectronics implementation of digital signal processing algorithms in front-ends, wireline and wireless interfaces, converters, FPGAs, microprocessors, microcontrollers and IP cores throughout all project phases;
• analysing and profiling the implementation of digital signal processing algorithms for spacecraft payload and platform functions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, exploration, transportation and science;
• 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 design;
• conducting laboratory activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining 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.

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Experience in the development of digital signal processing algorithms for telecommunications, navigation, synthetic aperture radar, image/video processing and/or artificial intelligence applications
• Experience in the definition, development and verification of space microelectronics for satellite platforms and payloads, including instruments, telecommunications and/or navigation units, on‑board computers, remote terminal units, power units and/or control units
• Project support experience for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, space transportation, science and/or exploration missions
• Experience in the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods
• Hands‑on laboratory testing and measurement experience
• Experience in the preparation of development roadmaps, procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal preparation and evaluation, etc.)
• Experience in the planning, management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

A master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Telecommunication, Electronics and/or Microelectronics is required for this post together with 10 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

You should have at least 10 years of experience in the end-to-end design, system integration and testing of ICs and/or FPGAs as well as reusable IP cores. In particular, competences in the following domains are required:

• Digital signal multi-rate processing, adaptive filtering, spectral analysis, spread spectrum,…