FDIR System Engineer

European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) - ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands - is seeking a skilled FDIR System Engineer to provide cross-mission Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery expertise across the full project lifecycle from design through operations. You will contribute to reviews, architecture trade-offs and verification strategies, while aligning with ECSS standards and AI-enhanced methods.

The role requires a master's degree in aerospace engineering and at least four years of relevant experience,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in aerospace engineering or a relevant field is required.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in FDIR or fault management.
• Experience with ECSS processes and standardisation is preferred.
• Ability to analyse operational data and improve FDIR concepts.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery across system elements and project lifecycles.
• Lead integration and ensure full traceability of FDIR across design, implementation and verification.
• Prepare and consolidate FDIR documentation for all mission phases in line with ESA processes.
• Define and validate FDIR concepts in alignment with system design constraints.
• Apply rigorous engineering processes to demonstrate FDIR fitness for purpose and risk mitigation.
• Support project reviews and technical discussions with residual risk assessments.

Skills

System engineering

FDIR expertise

ECSS standards

AI techniques

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in aerospace engineering or relevant field

Tools

Requirements management tools

Job description

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

FDIR System Engineer in the FDIR System Group (TEC SY): the group acts as ESA’s centre of excellence for Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery, within the Systems Department of the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

You will work within a transversal team providing FDIR expertise across all ESA missions and directorates, covering the full mission lifecycle from early design through operations and lessons learned. The group leads the definition, harmonisation and validation of FDIR concepts, requirements and architectures, and supports projects in close coordination with system engineering, avionics, software and operations.

You will provide functional support to assigned ESA projects as FDIR expert, contributing to project reviews, architectural trade offs, verification strategies, standardisation activities, R&D and training provision

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities as FDIR team member in TEC-SY will include:

• provide technical leadership and support to ESA Projects with respect to Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery across all system elements and all project lifecycle phases, acting as the focal point for FDIR within projects;
• lead the integration and ensure full traceability of FDIR aspects across system design, implementation and verification, ensuring consistency across all project artefacts;
• own, prepare, review and consolidate FDIR documentation for all mission phases, ensuring compliance with ESA internal processes, applicable standards and best engineering practices;
• define, maintain and validate the FDIR concept in close alignment with overall system design and engineering constraints, providing guidance to project teams;
• promote and apply rigorous, traceable engineering processes to demonstrate the adequacy and fitness for purpose of FDIR solutions and associated risk mitigation strategies;
• provide expert support to project reviews and internal technical discussions, including residual risk identification and evaluation of FDIR strategies;
• coordinate the collection, organisation and consistency of FDIR related information within projects, ensuring alignment across disciplines;
• support the analysis of operational data and lessons learned from missions, contributing to the continuous improvement of FDIR concepts, methods and documentation;
• contribute to the definition, review and maintenance of FDIR related standards, guidelines and best practices, including the maintenance and update of the ESA FDIR Handbook;
• participate in and lead FDIR related research and development activities, including the assessment and application of novel techniques and tools such as AI based approaches;
• support the design and delivery of internal FDIR training activities and knowledge transfer initiatives across the Agency;
• contribute to unit activities focused on knowledge consolidation, tool harmonisation and cross directorate alignment, fostering synergies across ESA projects.

Your duties may also include support to other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

• Experience in defining, integrating and verifying FDIR for complex space systems
• Strong system level engineering knowledge across avionics, subsystems, software, operations
• Experience with FDIR documentation, traceability and compliance with ESA/ECSS processes
• Ability to assess robustness and suitability FDIR solutions and risk mitigation
• Experience with operational data analysis and lessons learned for FDIR improvement
• Knowledge of ECSS standards and ESA FDIR practices
• Familiarity with advanced FDIR techniques, including model based and AI supported approaches

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 and professional experience

A master's degree in aerospace engineering or relevant scientific discipline is required for this position. A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required.

Additional requirements

• solid experience in system level fault management and FDIR activities, including involvement in functional verification, system validation or operational preparatory activities;
• experience working with complex satellite systems, with exposure to system engineering, software and operations interfaces considered an asset;
• experience in requirements engineering, traceability and engineering data management tools considered an asset;
• strong analytical skills with the ability to assess failures, risks and recovery strategies at system level;
• ability to proactively coordinate and engage with a wide range of internal technical disciplines and external partners, while considering programmatic constraints;
• capability to anticipate issues and propose pragmatic, technically sound solutions in line with project and group objectives;
• flexibility in handling day to day technical priorities and competing demands, with strong planning and organisational skills;
• high level of motivation, ownership and proactivity;
• ability to work independently while maintaining regular technical exchange with line management;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex FDIR concepts and issues.

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 gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.