Research Scientist

KHALIFA UNIVERSITY; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UAE is seeking a Research Scientist to join the Yahsat Space Lab team. The role involves designing spacecraft electrical and power systems, supervising graduate students, and coordinating project activities. Candidates should have a PhD in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering, with at least two years of hands-on experience in space power sub-systems. Opportunities for impactful research in a collaborative environment await the right individual.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in space activities related to power sub-systems.
• Experience in engineering activities coordination with cost and planning.
• Ability to translate mission needs into detailed specifications.

Responsibilities

• Design spacecraft's electronics and power subsystems.
• Coordinate procurement activities focusing on spacecraft's electrical power.
• Develop power management software with the embedded software team.

Skills

Hands-on experience in space activities related to power sub-systems

Good communication skills

Reasoning and problem-solving skills

Education

PhD in Electrical engineering or aerospace engineering

Job description

Overview

Organisation/Company KHALIFA UNIVERSITY Research Field Engineering Engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Country United Arab Emirates Application Deadline 31 Dec 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Position Code: ABCD1234

Position Type: Project Based (Fixed Term)

Position Duration: 01/02/2024 to 31/12/2025

Position Title: Research Scientist

Project Title: Development of a 6U CubeSat Technology Demonstrator

Project Supervisor: Sean Shan Min Swei

Academic Department: Aerospace Engineering

Relevant Research Center: Khalifa University Space Technology and Innovation Centre

Technical Keywords: Spacecrafts Electronics and power, space, development, tests.

Khalifa University is ranked 181st in the QS World University Rankings 2023, and the top University in the UAE, with a range of research and academic programs designed to address the entire range of strategic, scientific and industrial challenges facing our rapidly evolving world.

Its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities provide an unparalleled learning experience to students from the UAE and around the world. Our research and academic activities cover a broad range of disciplines in engineering, science and medicine through our three colleges.

Khalifa University’s research relates to key focus sectors of relevance to the UAE’s strategic economic growth and the technology platforms that serve as foundations for these sectors. The University’s research priorities are addressed in two categories “verticals” and “horizontals” which jointly cover specific industry and sector needs, technical platforms and expertise.

KU’s focus sectors are Clean and Renewable Energy, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production, Water and Environment, Healthcare, Aerospace, and Supply Chain and Logistics. Research in these sectors is enhanced by our research platforms of Robotics, AI and Data Science, Information and Communication Technologies, and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing as well as Fundamental Sciences.

Position Overview

Yahsat Space Lab (YSL) at KU is looking for motivated candidates to join our team for the exciting opportunity in the role of: Spacecraft’s Electrical and Power System Research Scientist. The Satellite Electrical and Power System Research Engineer is responsible of ensuring the overall Satellite EPS systems provides the necessary technical functionality and performance required by the System. As a Satellite Electrical and Power Research Scientist he will be directly supporting Spacecrafts program development to drive and provide electrical systems architecture, engineering support, electrical & power units deliveries and satellite electrical hardware tests required, from proposal to in-flight testing, all along the project development in accordance with the project manager.

The Research Scientist will also supervise, together with the project team, graduate students to gain hands-on experience in developing satellites electrical and power systems. The current lab team is composed of several systems engineers and experts working mainly on Satellites Subsystems development.

Responsibilities

• Design the spacecrafts electronics and power Subsystem (electrical, data, grounding, harness...) of spacecrafts in coordination with the project team (systems, structure, propulsion...)
• Space Segment procurement activities focusing on Spacecrafts Electrical Power and general electrical design, including the required test equipment.
• Participate in the electrical integration and the testing of different spacecraft’s modules, including the preparation of the bill of material, integration procedures for all active subsystems in collaboration with the system engineer.
• Design specific boards and harnesses for the spacecrafts (components selection, schematics and routing).
• Participate in development of the power management software with the embedded software team.
• Writing and maintaining technical documentation for electronic systems

Qualifications

• PhD from a reputable university in Electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or related discipline
• The candidate should have at least 2 years hands-on experience in space activities related to power sub-systems.
• Experience in engineering activities coordination with cost and planning.
• EPS Subsystem architecture: ability to translate mission needs into detailed specifications and capacity to define the component specification based on subsystem specifications.
• Experience in electrical interfaces specification and subsystems compatibility analysis.
• Experience in electromagnetic compatibility.
• Hands-on experience in the design of power switching/power protection electronics and DC/DC converters.
• Experience in designing Spacecrafts solar panels.
• Good communication skills with fluent English
• Ability to function as part of a team working on multiple tasks with competing demands and deadlines
• Well-developed reasoning and problem-solving skills

Candidate Profile

• PhD from a reputable university in Electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or related discipline
• The candidate should have at least 2 years hands-on experience in space activities related to power sub-systems.
• Experience in engineering activities coordination with cost and planning.
• EPS Subsystem architecture: ability to translate mission needs into detailed specifications and capacity to define the component specification based on subsystem specifications.
• Experience in electrical interfaces specification and subsystems compatibility analysis.
• Experience in electromagnetic compatibility.
• Hands-on experience in the design of power switching/power protection electronics and DC/DC converters.
• Experience in designing Spacecrafts solar panels.
• Good communication skills with fluent English
• Ability to function as part of a team working on multiple tasks with competing demands and deadlines
• Well-developed reasoning and problem-solving skills

Desired Criteria

• Experience with part selection for high radiation environments;
• Experience with components environment and radiation tests;

Should you require further assistance or if you face any issue with the online application, please feel to contact the Recruitment Team ([e-mail]).