Junior Professional in Science Operations and Systems Engineering

Junior Professional in Science Operations and Systems Engineering - EnVision Mission

**Job Requisition ID**:19530

**Date Posted**:15 May 2025

**Closing Date**:5 June 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

**Publication**:Internal & External

**Type of Contract**:Junior Professional

**Directorate**:Science

**Workplace**:Villanueva de la Cañada, ES

**Grade Band**:A1 - A1- The selection process for the 2025 cohort of Junior Professionals will take place during Spring 2025, with a projected start date in October or November 2025.
- Recruitment will take place at the A1 grade. At the end of the fourth year and if you are offered an indefinite contract at the end of your Junior Professional assignment, you will be upgraded to the A2 grade.

**Location**
ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain or other site, as required.
- Developmental assignments form an integral part of the JP Programme and may entail a temporary relocation to another ESA establishment or other location.

**Description**
ESA maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to 'Empower Europe to lead space science'. Together, the Department for Science Operations and the Office for Science Engagement and Oversight host the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions, from study to end of operations. They define and develop the science operation systems for the missions and operate the missions in space, as well as archiving and curating their data during operations and beyond. Our main objective is to maximise the scientific output of ESA's space science missions for the benefit of humankind.

You will join us as Science Operations Engineer for ESA’s EnVision mission to Venus, within the EnVision Science Operations Centre, which is part of the Science Operations Development Division.

EnVision will be the first mission to investigate Venus from its inner core to its upper atmosphere, characterising the interaction between its different envelopes: its atmosphere, surface/subsurface and interior. It aims to provide a holistic view of Venus, studying the planet’s history, activity and climate. EnVision is targeting a launch in the early 2030s. The payload comprises VenSAR, an S-band radar also operating as a radiometer and altimeter for mapping the surface of Venus, three optical spectrometers (VenSpec-M, VenSpec-U and VenSpec-H) designed to observe the surface and atmosphere of Venus, and the subsurface radar sounder (SRS), a high-frequency sounding radar to probe the upper layer of the planet’s subsurface. These are complemented by a radio science investigation exploiting the spacecraft’s telemetry, tracking and command system to map the planet’s gravity field and constrain its internal structure, and to measure the composition and structure of Venus’ atmosphere.

The Science Operations Centre (SOC) supports the EnVision Project Scientist and the lead scientists of the instruments in planning scientific observations, providing science data and optimising the science return of the mission. During the development phase of the mission, the SOC works closely with the Project Team to continuously ensure that the spacecraft and mission design allow the science performance requirements to be met. The SOC works in close partnership with the Mission Operations Centre (MOC) which is responsible for commanding the spacecraft and ensuring the overall safety and smooth running of all spacecraft and payload operations.**Duties**
The proposed position will offer you, as a young professional, the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in spacecraft systems engineering, science operations and mission operations, as well as to be part of ESA’s EnVision mission to Venus. It will enable you to actively contribute to shaping the future systems and processes used in science operations centres and to be part of the Science Operations Team based at ESAC, Madrid.

During the early development phase of the mission, you will support the Science Operations Centre (SOC), the Performance Team and the Science Working Team in analysing and identifying opportunities to optimise science operation scenarios. You will also assess the impact of design trade-offs, new constraints or changes in mission design on science performance. Your problem-solving skills and programming expertise will be essential in developing ad hoc and responsive solutions.

To support this work, you will spend a period of time working with the EnVision Mission Performance team at ESTEC, gaining insight into spacecraft design aspects and constraints relevant to operations engineering, such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), data handling, attitude control and communications. Your role will require a responsive approach to science operations-related questions and uncertainties, providing timely analysis and operational insight.

As your understanding of science operations evolves, you will be encouraged t