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 is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of 4 years and is classified in the A2-A4 grade band of 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.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of Section within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:
•    preparing independent cost estimates in support of projects and other procurement actions for all areas of ESA activity, giving due consideration to technical, programmatic, planning and procurement aspects;
•    conducting comparative analyses of industrial contractors’ estimates, prices and cost-at-completion;
•    participating in tender evaluation boards and associated cost-related panels;
•    participating in project reviews;
•    supporting negotiations of industrial contracts;
•    performing cost engineering tasks in the context of assessment studies in the Concurrent Design Facility;
•    developing and maintaining the Section’s parametric cost estimating models and databases, with particular responsibility for:
o    the Section’s TruePlanning cost estimate model for the Vega launcher;
o    MoCA, the Section’s cost risk analysis tool.

Technical competencies

General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and familiarity with the industrial landscape

Cost engineering methods and application tools

Knowledge of ESA costing software (ECOS)

Systems engineering skills

Management and negotiation skills

Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects is an asset.

Proven experience in the development of parametric 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

Preference will be given to candidates with an engineering background who can demonstrate experience with the systems approach, as well as the ability to take account of cost, technical and programmatic aspects such as planning and risks.

Experience is required in TruePlanning, risk analysis tools and cost estimating for space activities, particularly for launch vehicles and Science and Earth Observation satellites.

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 [email protected] .

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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 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 or balanced Member States*.  (https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/NationalityTargets.pdf )

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.