Head of the Robotics Section

Head of the Robotics Section in the Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. Reporting to the Head of the Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, you, as Head of the Robotics Section, will be responsible for the management of the Section, its resources and its activities. In addition, you will be accountable within the Agency for the outcome of operational activities conducted within your Section’s technical domain.

The Section deals with the specification, development, verification, operation and utilisation of space automation systems, including: space robot systems (comprising both arm-based systems for inspection, servicing and assembly of space system infrastructure or payloads, and mobile robots for the exploration of celestial bodies); space laboratory automation and payload control systems in crewed and uncrewed missions.

For these systems, the Section: promotes and demonstrates utilisation scenarios, in particular through in-flight demonstrations and laboratory test bedding; provides expert functional support to ESA and national projects; establishes a harmonised approach with national and industrial developments; performs technology research and development.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility. A master’s degree in engineering is required, preferably in one of the following fields: robotics engineering, control engineering, software engineering, mechatronics engineering or AI engineering. A PhD and/or hands-on experience on space hardware development would be an asset.

Strong experience in at least one of the domains of space automation and robotic systems, including planetary (surface, sub-surface and aerial) robotics probes, space robot payloads and their control systems, space laboratory automation, human-robot-interaction, tele-robotics in crewed and uncrewed missions, and automation and robotics technology for ground manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing is required.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & 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.

Please note that 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, 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.