Part of the UK Central Engineering Data Processing department, the successful candidate is expected to perform systems hardware activities (in particular signal/data processing and architectural engineering) in support to the Project System teams within the business units. Particular involvement includes the following areas:-
Supporting capture & formalisation of functional requirements of on-board data management systems. This activity will entail interfaces with the System teams, and possibly with end User (e.g. ESA, BNSC).
To work in collaboration with System hardware & software architects to propose data processing solutions (processors/traffic modelling/fault tolerance (FDIR)/memory alloc/memory load/protocols/autonomy techniques) Injection of innovative technical solutions to gain competitive advantage through early involvement in phases of data processing architectural & functional definition. Providing value added knowledge into system considerations (e.g. characteristics, qualification levels)
To collect and maintain information on: -
To propose solutions that improve efficiency by favouring reuse of building blocks & introduction of new technology Prepare future developments through proposals for feasibility & trade-offs in relation to space agency R&T plans. To contribute to the establishment of the platform/payload data processing and on-board software R&T plan. To contribute to the design, realisation and evaluation of prototypes or data processing products.
The engineer is also expected to: -
Be willing to travel & work for short periods in the clients offices in France or Germany.
Participate in ongoing evolution & implementation of trans-national harmonisation of development tools, methods & processes.
Identify & promote reuse of existing data processing functions (or building blocks).
Participate in awarded R&D activities.
Participate in proposal bids.
Participate in workshops & presentations within the client and Space Agency establishments.
Manage their own time and budgets in accordance with project and department requirements.
The data processing functions developed by this Department are of an embedded real time nature. Data processing architectures are deployed within the Satellite, and Satellite Instrumentation, to provide the required optimisation of Functionality and Control. Data processing systems host & provide a wide range of functional services depending on the mission of the space system (but typically provide data monitoring/collection, transport & processing between the system elements).
Qualifications and/or Skills
Essential:
Engineering honours degree in Electrical/Electronic, Hardware Data processing or similar.
Minimum 5 years relevant work experience in hardware systems design, in particular the data processing engineering domains of requirements, architecture, design and validation planning
Understanding of System development processes, both for satellite platforms & payloads.
Good level of knowledge in on-board HW & SW components / technologies:- FPGA/ASIC technology, processors, DSPs, bus architectures, memory architectures and protocols.
Knowledge of data/signal techniques, such as FFTs & compression, in particular relating to optical and radar payloads.
Previous Experience
Essential:
Experience in hardware system architecture, design and development. VHDL, FPGA, ASIC, DSP, associated development tools & methodologies.
Data transport protocols (e.g. CCSDS) |
