JOB OFFERS

Position Title: OPERATIONS ENGINEER (for Robotic Exploration Missions)

Within the Robotic Exploration team, the candidate will be asked to support the design, implementation and validation of Operations Control Center(s) for the next exploration missions, focusing on robotic operations, taking place in Low Earth Orbit (i.e. IOS, In Orbit Servicing) and on the Moon/Mars surface (i.e. ExoMars).

The candidate will mainly operate inside the Robotic Exploration team interacting also with other ALTEC teams. He/she will possibly interface with external customers and suppliers, therefore, he/she shall have good communication skills, pro-active attitude in facing and solving problems and inclination to team working.

Duties

The candidate’s tasks can be potentially subdivided into three main areas:

  • Ground Segment Design and Operations Preparation (Mission Phases B and C)

  • Ground Segment Qualification and Operations Validation (Phase D)

  • Ground Segment Mission Operations Execution (Phase E)

Ground Segment Design and Operations Preparation

  • Provide inputs for Ground Segment / Operations Control Center requirements definition related to all the aspects of data processing, data assessment, planning, commanding and data archiving.

  • Write/Update ICDs (Interface Control Documents) with respect to Control Center Internal interfaces (like Science Instruments Payloads hosted on the Robotic Platform(s)) and external interfaces (other ESA centers like ESOC or ESAC), reporting the development and definition of methods, data structures and data flows, procedures, and tools to assist the operations.

  • Design of ground operations concepts, ground segment data flows, and related operative processes including data processing, data assessment, planning, commanding and data archiving.

Ground Segment Qualification and Operations Validation

  • Provide support during Ground Segment testing/integration activities campaign.

  • Prepare and conduct System Validation Tests (SVTs) between the Control Center and the Flight Segment to validate Flight Procedures (i.e. command sequences and telemetry flow evaluation).

  • Prepare and conduct System Operational Validation Tests (SOVTs) to validate mission ground processes and ground procedures.

  • Support the preparation of the mission operation simulations, and dedicated training campaign, during the pre-launch phase by making use of the ALTEC indoor analogue facilities reproducing the Mars/Moon surface and the associated Robotic Platform Engineering model.

Ground Segment Mission Operations Execution

  • Support mission operation execution on console during normal office hours or working in pre-planned shifts. Console activities will be mainly related to the support of planning and commanding tasks in accordance with the established operations plan and procedures.

  • Support the preparation of the mission operation simulations during real-time operations by making use of the ALTEC indoor analogue facilities reproducing the Mars/Moon surface and the associated Robotic Platform Engineering model.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS/SKILLS

  • Background: relevant degree in Mechatronic Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Passionate about space robotics and robotic deep space exploration missions.
  • Ability to work independently and also in a team.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Flexibility.
  • Good reporting capabilities.
  • Good level of written and spoken English.
  • Orderly, reliable and disciplined approach to the execution of console operations (robotic mission operations) by executing dedicated ground/flight procedures.
  • Ability to work in a calm and correct manner under pressure.
  • Autonomy.
  • Kinematic & dynamic analysis of mechatronics & robotics systems.
  • Control Theory of automatic systems.
  • Basic knowledge of computer programming (C, C++, Matlab, Python).
  • Basic knowledge of Linux based Operating Systems.
  • Good knowledge of MS Office Suite.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS (they can be considered an advantage)

  • Knowledge of ROS/ROS2 (Robot Operating System), and its ecosystem such as Nav2, PlanSys2, robot planning tools like Moveit/Moveit2, robot simulators like Gazebo.

  • Knowledge of CSSDS Telemetry and Telecommand Packet Standard for space missions.

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