To support ESA’s Science Directorate at ESAC, the European Space Astronomy Centre, we are looking for a: Computer Systems Engineer

This position is located in the Computer Support Group (CSG) which provides computer support to all projects located at ESAC. The science operations and archive activities are mainly based on Linux and Sun Solaris, Macintoshes, PC for Office Automation activities and some OpenVMS machines. These systems are connected to networks organised according to functions such as external services, GRID, administration etc. The CSG also maintains the ESAC GRID computing environment used for project processing, daily science analysis.

Key tasks and Responsibilities:

GRID related activities:

• Installation, configuration, integration, operations, maintenance and upgrade of Globus and Glite GRID middleware infrastructure;
• Support users to adapt their computing tasks to the GRID infrastructure;
• UNIX (LINUX and SOLARIS), Macintosh and PC System management:
  • Installation, configuration, integration and setting up of new machines with appropriate operating systems and layered software;
  • Administration and operation management of computer systems;
  • Installation and configuration of new disks and other devices and new users accounts;
  • User support (mainly scientists and engineers);
  • Handle the mail aliases and mail distribution list;
  • Handling/checking/modifying all backups;
  • Definition, implementation and maintenance of computer operators procedures;
  • Issues of documentation and technical reports;
• Contact with hardware and software suppliers:
  • Definition of hardware/software needs and quotation requests for new purchases and maintenance contracts;
  • Locking hardware incidents calls and following the call history;
  • Assisting technician when on site.

Others:

• Installation and maintenance of storage SAN/NAS infrastructure;
• Installation and maintenance of Virtual Machines;
• Installation and maintenance of compute clusters;
• Interface with external ESA corporate informatics infrastructure service providers;
• Design of network setup requirements and follow up of implementation;
• Request for new network connections;
• Installation and Maintenance of printers, scanners.

Skills and Experience:

• A university degree in computer science or equivalent;
• At least 4 years’ relevant experience;
• Familiarity with the existing Science Operations computer environment and users at ESAC;
• Significant knowledge in:
  • GRID technology (Globus, Glite)
  • Storage SAN/NAS technologies
  • Linux (RedHat) system management
  • Virtualization technologies
  • PC Windows XP and Macintosh system management
  • Scientific user computer support
  • Network design and requirements
• A working knowledge of English, both spoken and in writing.

Starting date: April 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter

An exciting international working environment in a highly innovative and motivated team awaits you!

HE Space Operations is an international human resources company specialised in the space market. We have been providing consultancy services in space engineering and business administration for over 25 years. We generally work directly on-site with our principal customers such as the European Space Agency and EADS Astrium.