Description

Solar Generator Engineer in the Solar Generators Section, Power Systems, EMC and Space Environments Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Solar Generators Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the fields of space solar cells, space photovoltaics and space solar generators. Its activities include parts, materials, processes and technologies, electrical and mechanical design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing and in-orbit performance evaluation. Within this domain of competence, the Section also runs laboratory activities for the characterisation and qualification of solar cells, photovoltaic assemblies and solar panels, including problem investigation. In addition, it contributes to the definition of standards on solar cells, photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators.     

Duties

You will report 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 in the field of solar cell and solar generator technologies throughout all project phases, including electrical and mechanical design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing and in-orbit performance evaluation;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and 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;
• 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;
• supporting tests and characterisation performed in the solar generator facilities of the ESA Space Power Laboratory.

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

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s in physics or electrical engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Experience of solar cells and solar generators for space applications;
• 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 subsystem level of space photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators;
• Experience with the electrical and mechanical design of space solar arrays, and the development and application of relevant tools and methods;
• Knowledge of the technology landscape for solar cells and their potential for space applications;
• Experience in the definition of specifications and test plans for space solar generators, photovoltaic assemblies, solar panel substrates and solar cell assemblies;
• Experience in the electrical design and evaluation of the in-orbit performance of space solar generators;
• Knowledge of mechanical design and thermo-mechanical properties of space solar generators and their components;
• Knowledge of space environment effects on solar generators;
• Experience in the definition and implementation of standards relevant to space solar cells, photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators;
• Experience in testing and characterisation activities.