Embedded Software Engineer

Aurora has the opportunity to expand our support to ESA. We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer in the Directorate of Science (D/SCI) at ESTEC. Happiness of our employees has proven key to obtaining excellent results and a client who also regards us highly for excellent service., Specific Tasks Project and Technical Support

• Support working groups, mission, project, or operations teams in defining validation activities.
• Provide payload expertise for future mission studies or projects.
• Support payload reviews and the evaluation of proposals in response to mission calls, missions of opportunity, and technology calls.
• Support the monitoring of industrial technology development activities.

Design and Development

• Define and prepare validation activity set-ups, with emphasis on software aspects.
• Perform software development in support of payload technology validation and science research activities.
• Develop and maintain databases (inventory, technology development activities).
• Design and develop user interfaces and system automation solutions.
• Perform digital system programming (microcontrollers, FPGA, etc.) for control and automation of test equipment.
• Carry out low-level hardware interfacing and implement remote control and data acquisition systems.
• Develop and maintain the existing Python libraries used in the laboratories.

Testing and Validation

• Install, maintain, and update laboratory computers, servers, software, licences, and data storage equipment.
• Prepare and maintain test documentation (test requirements, test plans, and test reports).
• Perform commissioning, testing, and validation of activity set-ups and payload systems.
• Support the testing of front-end electronics for sensors (CCD, infrared detectors, CIS, etc.).
• Support mixed-signal ASIC testing at room and cryogenic temperatures, as well as in general laboratory environments.
• Provide IT technical solutions supporting payload validation activities (data acquisition, control, and automation).

Data Processing and Reporting (nice to have)

• Conduct test data analysis and visualisation, providing results and reporting to project or operations teams.

Do you have experience in Verilog?, Do you have a Master's degree?, * Master's Degree or equivalent in adequate fields, such as Software Engineering or computer science.

• At least 8 years work experience.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Customer focused solution oriented mindset.
• Knowledge of web-based technologies: WebSocket, CSS3, HTML5, TypeScript, HTTPS.
• Experience with server-based services: Nginx (reverse proxy), firewalls, systemd, Docker.
• Understanding of web security principles: Authentication techniques, authorization, and vulnerability testing.
• Hands-on experience with DevOps and cloud-based tools: GitLab CI, Grafana, InfluxDB, Elasticsearch, and similar frameworks.
• Proficiency in Python and its ecosystem.
• Solid foundation in electronics fundamentals.
• Experience in low-level programming: C, Assembly, VHDL, Verilog.
• Experience developing embedded solutions: Microcontrollers (e.g., STM32), DAQs, and FPGAs.
• Ability to interpret detector datasheets and ICDs and translate bias, clocking, and SPI requirements into a functional readout controller.
• Knowledge of programming paradigms: Object-oriented and functional programming.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices: Test-driven development (TDD), continuous integration (CI), and static analysis tools.

Legal and Security Requirements

• All applicants must be legally allowed to work in The Netherlands.
• Applicants are required to provide a copy of their passport and degree certificate. Aurora will validate the Degree with the issuing University and provide evidence to ESA.
• Prior to issuing a letter of employment the applicant shall provide to Aurora a recent official document declaring that they are of good conduct from the country where currently resident.

Contract

• All employees receive good remuneration in line with function and experience.
• When autonomous then teleworking can often be utilised.
• Will be registered for both social security and tax in the Netherlands.
• The standard working hours are 40 per week.
• There are 12 public holidays and an additional 30 annual days holiday.
• Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are of course included.
• Aurora contributes 15,4% of pensionable salary to a company pension scheme and employees can optionally make additional contributions.