We are looking for a Solar Generators Engineer to join our Akkodis Aerospace team, working onsite at the European Space Agency in the Netherlands.

Tasks to be performed:

• Provide expert technical support and consultancy on behalf of ESA to any ESA Projects, programmes, general studies and missions as needed, in the field of the solar cell and solar generator technologies throughout all project phases, including electrical and mechanical design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing and in-orbit performance evaluation, in coordination with the Areas of Competences and defined by the Head of the Areas of Competences.
• Provide technical support to the members of the Areas of Competences for any matter concerning solar array in support to ESA Projects. In particular:
  • Providing technical support to ESA projects, programmes and general studies
  • Participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals
  • Identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution
• Provide support to the ESA TOs in solar cells and solar generators R&D programmes and activities. This shall include:
  • Contributions to R&D idea formulation, technology development plans under the various ESA programmes, and other preparatory activities in support of the TO.
  • Support the TO in R&D activity reviews and meetings, and possible related verification and analysis activities.
• Support the definition, promotion and implementation of the technological research programmes for advanced photovoltaic generator technology, including solar cells, photovoltaic assembly processes and components (e.g. cover-glasses), solar generator subsystems, environmental effects models, testing methods and test facilities.
• Support the updating of the solar generator technology dossiers and roadmaps and supporting their harmonisation with European industries, laboratories and national agencies;
• Supporting the ESA TR where applicable:
  • Perform the daily work in the development of the activity
  • Organise the monthly meetings
  • Perform the daily work in the development of the activity
  • Organise and coordinate the activity reviews
  • Provide feedback to ESA personnel about the activity development
  • Contribute to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency's technology programmes
  • Contribute to defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs
  • Contribute to foster new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures
• Support the development of Hands On activities The support includes specific tasks defined by the ESA TO like:
  • Electrical characterisations, tests and inspections of solar cells, solar cell assemblies, Coupons of solar panels, solar panels and solar arrays in the Solar Generator facilities of the ESA Space Power Laboratory
  • Analysis and calculations related to any aspects of design, development and in-orbit performances of the solar array, from the single items composing the solar array to the complete solar array, considering the ground and space environment
  • Maintenance and development of the Areas of Competencies IT infrastructure, simulation tools, databases and models.
• Provide technical support in specific CDF studies related to ESA missions in the application directories.
• Perform simulations at solar array level using PEPS/EcosimPro and build new models as needed for the studies.
• Provide feedback to ESA personnel about the CDF study.
• Support tests and characterization performed in the solar generator facilities of ESA Space Power Laboratory
• Support the investments and the maintenance of the ESA solar generator laboratory facilities and the execution of engineering and qualification tests
• Support the Solar Generator Area of Competences in maintaining and improving the coordination and knowledge management via the following mandatory tasks:
  • Participation at the weekly Solar Generator Team meetings
  • Introducing any lesson learnt, important information and results from R&D developments, Project support and hands-on activities in the EPG WIKI and in any other ad hoc directories that will be specified
  • Support to monitor applicable scientific and technological trends and maintain a state-of-the-art expertise
  • Support to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency
  • Promoting activity and results outside the Agency when required
• Support the definition, review, tailoring and implementation of European standards in the solar generator domain.

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

• A Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience in the technical domains including hands-on hardware experience covered by the position.
• Experience in the design, development and verification of space hardware.
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation.
• Experience in technology, process development and manufacturing at part level of space solar cells and related components (e.g. Ge wafers, solar cell shunt diodes), and at sub-system level of space photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators.
• Experience with the electrical design of space solar arrays, development and application of relevant tools and methods, including the evaluation of the in-orbit performance of space solar generators.
• Experience with the mechanical design of space solar arrays, development and application of relevant tools and methods, including knowledge of thermo-mechanical properties of space solar generators and their components.

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