Lead QKD Payload & User Segment Engineer

 

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

Description

QKD Payload and User Segment Lead in the SAGA Project within the Satellite Programmes Department in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

ESA contributes to the development of the European Commission’s  EuroQCI primarily through the ESA Secure And cryptoGrAphic (SAGA) mission.

The SAGA Project aims to develop and deploy the EuroQCI 1st Generation space component (space and related ground/user segment) for a preliminary QKD service validation.

The project focus is on the development of critical QKD technologies by European industry up to preliminary service validation.

You will also be responsible for developing a long-term partnership with the industry partners by fostering reliable technical collaboration and steering innovation developments and digitalisation procurement.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• contributing to the management of the industrial activities related to the QKD chain, both space segment and ground, by leading the specification, design, procurement, development, and verification/acceptance of the chain and its equipment throughout the project lifetime.
• monitoring the industrial progress and design evolution of the QKD chain and its equipment, ensuring it remains consistent with the technical and programmatic requirements.
• monitoring industrial development and verification activities to ensure proper verification including resolving non-conformances; supporting the assessment of deviations and waivers.
• coordinating with PA, System and Security leads during development, integration and testing activities for the resolution of activity deviations.
• providing regular reporting to project management, and identifying technical risk areas, proposing and monitoring mitigation measures.
• contributing to the management of the schedule and proposing schedule risk mitigation actions within the area of responsibility.
• monitoring the industrial preparation for in-orbit QKD, in-flight spacecraft commissioning and service provision in collaboration with project teams and ground teams, as necessary.

In  the execution of the above tasks, you will be supported and functionally manage the specialised engineering support from the ESA Technology, Engineering, Quality and Operations Directorates.

Technical competencies

Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of equipment qualification, satellite design and assembly integration & testKnowledge of ESA and mission/spacecraft development, verification and procurement processesSignificant relevant experience in ESA space systems development, verification and project review processesUnderstanding of system requirements and interfaces for space projectsUnderstanding of industrial costs, schedule and project risk management processes

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 in a relevant engineering or scientific domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have the ability to adapt to new working methods and environments. You must be able to build supportive working relationships, communicate effectively and contribute to fostering positive attitudes to change and, thus, to the success of an innovative programme.
In addition, you should have:

• strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day challenges proactively and constructively;
• the ability to anticipate risks and identify the need for additional expert support in a timely manner;
• understanding of and experience in tailoring space standards;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.

Previous project experience and, in particular, technical competence in QKD technology is a distinct asset.
People management experience is an asset, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

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