Position Title: Operations Engineer for ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission

Within the Robotic Exploration team, the candidate will be asked to support the operations preparation and operations validation at the Rover Operations Control Center (ROCC) for the ESA ExoMars RFM (Rosalind Franklin Mission), now expected to be launched in 2028 and with the goal to reach the Mars surface by 2030.

The candidate will mainly operate inside the Robotic Exploration team interacting also with other ALTEC departments. He/she will interface with external partners like customers, the ExoMars Science Community, other ESA centres (mainly ESAC and ESOC), 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:

  • Control Center Design and Operations Preparation (Phase C)
  • Control Center Qualification and Operations Validation (Phase D)
  • Mission Operations Execution (Phase E and subsequent operational phases)

Operations Preparation

  • Write/Update ICDs (Interface Control Documents) with respect to Control Center Internal interfaces (like Science Instruments Payloads hosted on the Rover) 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.
  • Refine/Update of ground operations concepts, ground segment data flows, and related operative processes including data processing, data assessment, planning, commanding and data archiving.
  • Contribute to the development of operational methods, procedures and tools supporting Rover operations throughout the mission lifecycle.

Operations Validation

  • Provide support during Ground Segment testing/integration activities campaign, including assistance with the configuration and testing of Ground Systems (ROCS – ROCC Operations Control System, and ROSS – ROCC Operations Support Systems), in order to demonstrate the capability of the ROCC HW and SW to support the designed Rover mission operations.
  • 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 facility reproducing the Mars surface (MTS, Mars Terrain Simulator) and the Rover Engineering Model.

Mission Operations Execution

  • Support mission operation execution on console during normal office hours or working in pre-planned shifts.
  • Perform console activities related to the support of planning and commanding tasks in accordance with the established operations plan and procedures: Telecommand (TC) preparation and uplink, and Telemetry (TM) monitoring, analysis, and reporting.
  • Interface with Ground Segment partners, ESA control centers, and mission/scientific customers to ensure coordinated and efficient mission operations.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS/SKILLS

  • Background: relevant degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering.
  • Passionate about space robotics and mission operations.
  • 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 by executing dedicated ground/flight procedures.
  • Ability to work in a calm and correct manner under pressure.
  • Autonomy.
  • Basic knowledge of Linux based Operating Systems.
  • Basic knowledge of computer programming (C, C++, Matlab, Python).
  • Good knowledge of MS Office Suite.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS (they can be considered an advantage but they are not mandatory)

  • Knowledge of CSSDS Telemetry and Telecommand Packet Standard for space missions.
  • Knowledge of the ESA SCOS-2000 Mission Control System or any other control software (like Yamcs)
  • Knowledge and utilization of SPICE Kernels for handling and archiving Rover trajectories and in general the Rover mechanisms’ positions and attitude;
  • Knowledge of NASA PDS4 standard for long term archiving of science data.
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