TT&C - PDT Subsystems Engineer

We are looking for a TT&C / PDT Subsystems Engineer (E3) to join our Akkodis Aerospace team, working onsite at the European Space Agency in the Netherlands. 

Tasks to be performed:

Engineering & Technical Contributions

• Contribute to the engineering of RF communication subsystems such as TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking & Command), PDT (Payload Data Transmission), and ISL (Inter-Satellite Links) in support of ESA projects.
• Participate in the specification, design, development, verification, and acceptance of TT&C/PDT subsystems, including associated EGSE (Electrical Ground Support Equipment) and related hardware (e.g., receivers, transmitters, transponders).
• Support the design and implementation of key functions and techniques within TT&C/PDT subsystems, including:
  • Modulation schemes
  • Signal synchronization
  • Digital signal processing
  • Error control coding
• Project Support & Industrial Coordination
• Provide support across all project phases, including follow-up of industrial activities and procurement of TT&C/PDT subsystems and EGSE.
• Assist in R&D activities related to subsystem development and innovation.
• Translate system-level requirements into specifications for equipment and antennas.
• Contribute to the study and implementation of new architectures, technologies, and techniques for TT&C/PDT subsystems.
• Support harmonization efforts across ESA projects for TT&C/PDT technologies.

Testing, Validation & Simulation

• Participate in assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of TT&C/PDT subsystems.
• Support characterization and validation activities to ensure subsystem performance.
• Develop simulation tools and methodologies to aid in design, development, and performance evaluation.
• Conduct laboratory testing and performance assessments of TT&C/PDT subsystems.

Project Interface & Collaboration

• Provide technical expertise to ESA projects and studies throughout all phases.
• Perform and document analyses to support project decisions.
• Assist in the implementation of industrial activities and in-house design trade-offs.
• Carry out system/subsystem-level simulations to assess end-to-end RF communications performance.
• Offer hands-on modelling and testing support, coordinating with ESA Laboratory Services.
• Actively contribute to project meetings and technical reviews.

Tool Development & Operation

• Support the identification, implementation, validation, and operation of section tools.
• Provide expertise in software, hardware, and data-related tools.
• Participate in the development, validation, deployment, and maintenance of internal software tools and databases.
• Liaise with Technical Responsibles to ensure proper configuration of tools developed internally or externally.
• Operate tools to support ESA projects and R&D activities.

R&D and Technology Roadmapping

• Provide technical input for defining technology roadmaps and contribute to related reviews and meetings.
• Monitor scientific and technological trends to maintain state-of-the-art expertise in RF communications.
• Contribute to documentation, technical analyses, and review processes.
• Help define technical requirements and statements of work for industrial tasks, from conceptual studies to hardware development.
• Review outputs from industry and academia, and support the ESA Technical Officer, including conducting software/hardware tests in coordination with Laboratory Services.
• Support ESA representatives in meetings with industry and academia.
• Organize and report on ad hoc meetings with external stakeholders when required.

Welkom bij Akkodis

Akkodis has proudly supported the Aerospace & Defence industry in the Netherlands for decades. Our partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) has been one of the many success stories allowing our people to expand their career horizons. Akkodis experts are contributing to some of the most important technical advances in Aerospace and Defence which impact the way we live our lives today, through specialised engineering expertise and other required skillsets. This could be your future. Become part of our successful team!

About ESA-ESTEC 

The European Space Agency (ESA) has sites in several European countries. 

The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), has grown into ESA’s largest establishment and the technical and organizational hub of Europe’s space sector. Missions designed and tested at ESTEC are circling Earth, have landed on planetary bodies and have probed far into the Solar System.

The infrastructure and equipment assembled here, together with the expert knowhow of its 2800 personnel, make ESTEC a unique resource for Europe. The work done here by teams skilled in every aspect of engineering for space has enabled the creation of novel communication, navigation and information services, creating new jobs and growth while improving the lives of European and world citizens.

Kandidaat Profiel

To successfully perform the above mentioned tasks, the following background / experience is required: 

• University Master’s degree in Telecommunications or Electronics Engineering
• Several years of experience in the architectural definition, analysis, design, development and testing of RF communication subsystems, such as TT&C, PDT, ISL, proximity-link.
• Very good knowledge of RF communication systems architectures and technologies
• Very good knowledge of digital signal processing on-board techniques and technologies, including modulation, signal synchronisation, error control coding and RF/microwave technologies
• Experience and expertise with TT&C spaceflight hardware development and testing.
• Very good knowledge of end-to-end RF communication systems performance assessment and signal quality analysis,
• Very good knowledge of modern computer systems, simulation and modelling tools, programming languages.
• Knowledge of telecommunication standards is an asset.
• Knowledge on Authentication and Encryption schemes as applied to TT&C/PDT systems is an asset
• As per PSC policy requirements, only candidates who are citizens of EU member states will be eligible for consideration.

Please send your CV to recruitmentaerospace@akkodisgroup.com as soon as possible