Data Handling Subsystem Engineer

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

We are looking for a Data Handling Subsystem Engineer

The Data Handling Subsystem (DHS) is the spacecraft subsystem in charge of receiving telecommands from Ground, as decoded by the Radio Frequency system, executing the on-board SW on the on-board computer, and interfacing all on-board electronic units, including mass memory, remote terminal units and payloads.

The candidate will immediately be assigned to one of the following roles:

• DHS Engineer on the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission. LISA is a third large mission (L3) of ESA’s Cosmic Vision science programme. LISA is the first space mission designed to observe gravitational waves (GW).
• DHS Engineer on the Gateway Airlock Module (GAM). The Airlock Module will be the habitable module providing Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) capability to the Gateway Cis-Lunar Station, part of the ARTEMIS Programme.
• DHS Engineer on the LightShip-1 Mission, the first European Electric Propulsion Tug with Communication and Navigation functionality, Exploration Science and Passenger delivery capability to Mars.

The key duties of a DHS engineer include:

• Contribution to the design and specification of Data Handling subsystem and of the needed units: On-Board Computer (OBC), Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), Mass memory Unit (MMU);
• Contribution to the design and specification of electrical and communication interfaces among the DH units and with the system avionics
• Support the design and specification of communication protocols used by the DH subsystem buses (MIL1553, CAN, SpaceWire, TTEthernet, , RS232, RS442, RS485, SPI, I2C etc.)
• Procurement of DH subsystem and of the relevant units following the subcontractor activities
• Support to DH subsystem integration and test (AIT) with system avionics
• Definition and specification of DH Test Benches used for the validation of the subsystem by Processor In the Loop(PIL), Hardware In the Loop (HIL) and Closed Loop tests
• Support requirements verification and resolution non-compliances
• Support technical and managerial meetings and formal reviews in front of the Customer

Required skills, experience and qualifications:

Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering possibly with focus on Embedded Systems or on Computer Science.

It is required professional experience.

At least 2 years of professional experience in DHS design or testing at subsystem or at unit level, and technical knowledge in the following areas:

• Knowledge of avionics architecture to perform trade off and choose design solutions
• Multicore space qualified microprocessors (LEON, PPC, etc.) and relevant development environment (GRMON, UBOOT, ECLIPSE)
• Knowledge of space qualified components used in the DH units (Memories, FPGA, ADC, DAC, etc.)
• Knowledge of structured programming technics and relevant programming languages (C, C++, Python) and also basic knowledge of Assembler
• Knowledge of Real Time Operating systems (RTEMS, VXWORKS) is appreciated
• Knowledge of modeling tools (Matlab/Simulink, PSPICE)
• Knowledge of VHDL and FPGA synthesis tools
• Knowledge of ECSS e CCSDS standards relevant to DH and Communications systems
• Proficient knowledge of English is required
• Availability to work abroad for short periods of time
• Ability to work in teams with people with different cultures
• Ability to present and discuss solutions and results in front of the Customer

At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here, apply now!