JOB OFFERS

Position Title: Product Assurance and Safety Officer (PASO for the ISS Columbus module)

ALTEC is looking for an Aerospace Engineer (or equivalent) to be inserted in the Product Assurance, Safety and Configuration Management department for the support to the ISS Columbus module of the European Space Agency (ESA), as part of the activities relevant to the TLO (Training and Logistics Operations) program. As part of the activities relevant to the TLO (Training and Logistics Operations) services to ESA, PASO represents the Safety of Flight expert for the operations of Columbus and of ESA Payloads, as well as the owner of the process to resolve the anomalies faced during the operations.
The Product Assurance, Safety, and Configuration Management Team is a key component of all ALTEC Space programs and projects, playing a critical role in ensuring the highest quality standards. The team is responsible for studying, planning, implementing, verifying, and certifying products and activities, ensuring that design, controls, methods, and techniques meet or exceed the required quality, safety, and performance criteria. In addition to these core responsibilities, the team manages internal procedures and processes to enhance operational efficiency and ensure continuous improvement.

Duties

The most relevant activities that characterize the position are the following:

  • Support to preparation and participation, in the real-time support, to operations during on-orbit activities and troubleshooting in case of failures, taking part, and organizing dedicated meetings as needed, in collaboration with the Ops Teams and Engineering;
  • Strict collaboration with ESA Safety Review Panel (ESRP) and ESA Operations Safety;
  • Coordination with the Columbus Flight Control Team for all the aspects related to the Safety of the Operations;
  • Participation to periodic meetings with NASA in order to share information and have common knowledge on the actual Operations situation on board the ISS;
  • Review and inputs provision to all Operational products defined in preparation and during operations phase (Flight Notes, Chits, procedures, etc.);
  • System and payloads operational procedures (Operations Data File – ODF) review for all the aspects related to Columbus and crew Safety, by participating also to ODF Control panels;
  • Anomalies management and resolution coordination, among the different actors involved during the process: ESA Operations Safety, Columbus Flight Control Team, USOCs, Engineering Services, etc.
  • Columbus Anomaly response Team (CART) executive secretary / Multilateral Anomalies Resolution Team (MART) with NASA;
  • Participation to periodical meetings with NASA Safety representatives;
  • Participation to periodical workshops organized within the Columbus Operations Community;
  • Reporting activities during dedicated Increment meetings.

The candidate will obtain the ESA PASO Certification, issued by ESA, following a comprehensive training program. This training will include engaging lessons, primarily conducted at the European Astronaut Center (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, hands-on simulations on-console, and valuable on-the-job training at ALTEC premises.

This position offers the opportunity to develop and enhance the following expertise and skills:

  • Expertise in Space Operations: Deep understanding of ESA and NASA operational processes, procedures, and safety standards for human spaceflight missions.
  • Real-Time Decision-Making: Experience in providing real-time support during critical on-orbit activities, including anomaly resolution and troubleshooting.
  • International Collaboration: Development of skills in working within a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, collaborating with international partners such as NASA and other ISS stakeholders.
  • Anomaly Management: Practical knowledge of anomaly detection, resolution coordination, and reporting processes (e.g., CART, MART).
  • Safety Engineering: Hands-on experience with safety assessment and compliance with safety standards for space operations.
  • Operational Documentation: Proficiency in reviewing and contributing to flight notes, operational procedures (ODF), Chits, and other critical mission documentation.
  • Strengthened ability to lead technical discussions, organize meetings, and facilitate collaboration among diverse teams.
  • Knowledge of ISS Systems: In-depth understanding of Columbus and ISS systems, payloads, and their integration within overall mission objectives.
  • Training and Certification: Attainment of the ESA PASO Certification, including on-console simulations and operational training at EAC and other facilities.
  • Adaptability and Resilience: Development of skills to perform effectively under pressure in dynamic and high-stakes operational scenarios.

This role not only strengthens technical expertise but also fosters professional growth in the highly specialized field of human spaceflight operations.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Master Degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
  • Fluent in English (spoken/written).
  • Previous experiences in Operations support and/or Product Assurance/Safety departments will be considered as a plus but not mandatory.

SOFT SKILLS

  • Excellent interpersonal skills are needed, together with a high degree of organizational and communication abilities, and comfortable with working in a multinational environment.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • Willingness to travel for training and support activities
  • Adaptability to evolving project needs and priorities in a dynamic operational environment.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Following are not mandatory but considered as assets:

  • Basic knowledge of ISS systems and Columbus payloads is an asset.
  • Familiarity with ESA/NASA operational standards, processes, and documentation, including anomaly management systems
  • Knowledge of safety protocols and methodologies applicable to space operations.
  • Experience with technical coordination and interface management between multidisciplinary teams.
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