Cost Engineer

Vacancy in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

Description

Cost Engineer in the Cost Engineering Section, Systems Engineering Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Cost Engineering Section, a multicultural, dynamic team of approximatively ten cost engineers, is involved in the following areas:
•    Cost engineering support to studies and projects of the various ESA directorates (Human and Robotic Exploration, Space Transportation, Earth Observation, Navigation, Science, Exploration and Robotics, Operations, Telecommunications and Integrated Applications);
•    Cost and system engineering support to feasibility and early-phase studies of future ESA missions using the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF);
•    Responsibility for the ESA costing software ECOS.

You are encouraged to visit the following websites: 
•    ESA Cost Engineering: https://www.esa.int/Enabling\_Support/Space\_Engineering\_Technology/Cost\_Engineering 
•    CDF: https://www.esa.int/Enabling\_Support/Space\_Engineering\_Technology/CDF
•    ECOS:https://www.esa.int/About\_Us/Business\_with\_ESA/How\_to\_do/Introduction\_to\_ESA\_Costing\_Software
•    Systems Engineering Division: https://technology.esa.int/division/systems-engineering-division

Duties

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:
•    preparation of cost estimates in support of projects;
•    cost and systems engineering support to ESA projects for design to cost;
•    comparative analysis of industrial contractors’ estimates, prices and cost-at-completion;
•    evaluation of industrial proposals for cost-related matters;
•    participation in ESA project reviews;
•    support to industrial contract negotiations;
•    cost engineering and system engineering tasks in assessment studies in the Concurrent Design Facility;
•    development and maintenance of the Section’s (parametric) cost estimating models and databases.

Technical competencies

General background in the technical domains of advanced propulsion concepts, fluid dynamics, green propellants, and cryogenics propellant systems

Knowledge and a general background in systems engineering and the relevant technical domains covered by the position

Experience in space systems engineering and development with a mission end-to-end view

Knowledge of the industrial landscape, i.e. relevant strategic and technological trends and developments, both within and external to the space domain

Cost estimation using parametric models that estimate scope, cost and effort

Cost engineering methods and application tools

Development of cost and schedule models

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in an engineering discipline applicable to space is required.

Additional requirements

The following abilities are required:
•    The ability to work independently and establish excellent working relations within the Agency and with external partners and industries;
•    The ability to work in multidisciplinary space mission design teams;
•    The ability to work autonomously with a proactive attitude.

Knowledge of the following is an asset:
•    Concurrent engineering and design, taking into account cost, technical and programmatic aspects such as planning and risks;
•    ESA, its activities, programmes and policies;
•    Management and negotiation.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ   

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.     

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities.  Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace.  The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us email contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.  

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service. 

Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.