Optoelectronics Engineer

ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA's Optoelectronics Section in Noordwijk, Netherlands, invites applications for an Optoelectronics Engineer. You will work on photonic component subsystems, detectors, lasers, and quantum technologies for space missions and instruments.

Reporting to the Head of Section, you will provide expert technical support, participate in reviews, and help define technology development requirements while pursuing long- and short-term R&D activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, photonics, optoelectronics or a related field with at least four years of relevant experience.
• Solid experience in design, development and testing of complex optoelectronics systems.
• Eligible for security clearance and export control compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support to ESA projects involving optical clocks, frequency combs, lasers, and photonic technologies.
• Participate in feasibility studies, reviews and procurement evaluations.
• Define technology development requirements and work plans for ESA programs.
• Initiate and manage R&D activities for long- and short-term needs.
• Foster new applications and disseminate results across the Agency.
• Monitor trends and maintain state-of-the-art expertise.
• Support other activities within your field of competence.

Skills

Optoelectronics

Photonic integration

Laboratory testing

Quantum technologies

Project support

Procurement coordination

Education

Master's degree in physics / photonics / optoelectronics

PhD asset

Job description

Optoelectronics Engineer in the Optoelectronics Section, Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Type of appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Description

The Optoelectronics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of optoelectronic device technologies and applications.

In particular, the Optoelectronics Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies.

The Section is staffed with around 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and offers a unique opportunity to contribute on the challenges relating to optoelectronic technologies required for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies involving optical atomic clocks, optical frequency combs, lasers and integrated photonic technologies for space and related technologies and testing techniques throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• laboratory activities, as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

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

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Optical atomic clocks, including related subsystems, such as frequency combs, ultra-stable lasers, cavities, metrology and T&F distribution
• Related quantum and photonics technologies, such as atom/ion trapping and cooling, photonic integrated circuits and fibre optics
• Experience with laboratory and field testing of relevant technical equipment and hands‑on hardware experience
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and industrial landscape
• Project support experience in a relevant domain
• Experience in the coordination and preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as statements of work and proposal evaluation

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in physics, photonics, optoelectronics, optical engineering or a related discipline is required for this post, together with at least four years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

Solid experience in the design, definition, development and testing of complex optoelectronics systems.

The following will be considered assets:

• Knowledge of environmental testing of space hardware.
• Knowledge of working on projects with a formal security framework.
• A PhD in a relevant discipline.

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 and eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

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.

Nationality and Languages

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.

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.