General Details

Position Code: Research Engineer.8800517
Position Type: Project Based (Fixed Term)
Position Duration: 01/01 /2024 to 31/12/2025
Position Title: Research Engineer
Project Title: Development of a 6U CubeSat Technology Demonstrator
Project Supervisor: Djamal Darfilal
Academic Department: Aerospace Engineering
Relevant Research Center: Khalifa University Space Technology and Innovation Centre - KUSTIC
Technical Keywords: Orbital mechanics, space debris, laser technology, space robotics

About Khalifa University

Khalifa University is ranked 181st in the QS World University Rankings 2023, and the top University in the UAE, with a range of research and academic programs designed to address the entire range of strategic, scientific and industrial challenges facing our rapidly evolving world.

Its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities provide an unparalleled learning experience to students from the UAE and around the world. Our research and academic activities cover a broad range of disciplines in engineering, science and medicine through our three colleges.

Khalifa University\'s research relates to key focus sectors of relevance to the UAE\'s strategic economic growth and the technology platforms that serve as foundations for these sectors. The University\'s research priorities are addressed in two categories - \xe2\x80\x9cverticals\xe2\x80\x9d and \xe2\x80\x9chorizontals\xe2\x80\x9d - which jointly cover specific industry and sector needs, technical platforms and expertise.

KU\'s focus sectors are Clean and Renewable Energy, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production, Water and Environment, Healthcare, Aerospace, and Supply Chain and Logistics. Research in these sectors is enhanced by our research platforms of Robotics, AI and Data Science, Information and Communication Technologies, and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing as well as Fundamental Sciences.

Position Overview

Yahsat Space Lab (YSL) at KU is looking for motivated candidates to join our team as a Research Engineer to support Active Debris Removal (ADR) at low Earth orbit. The ADR research engineer is responsible for ensuring the overall small form factor satellite/CubeSat-based capturing of space debris, from identifying high priority debris to orbital analysis to designing flexible capturing mechanisms to deorbiting manoeuvre. The ADR research engineer is to provide necessary technical oversight and perform functional duties as required. In addition, the ADR research engineer will directly support satellite program development at YSL, and engage in developing critical framework for simulation and analysis to demonstrate the feasibility of ADR concept by utilizing CubeSats. Furthermore, the research engineer will lead the development of required hardware prototype and bench testing.

The research engineer will also supervise, together with the project team, graduate students to gain hands-on experience in developing ADR systems and subsystems.

Position Requirements

• Design CubeSat-based Active Debris Removal (ADR) systems, in coordination with the project team consisting of orbital mechanics, micro propulsion, GN&C, communications, etc.
• Design specific robotic capturing mechanisms; including component selection, kinematics and dynamics analysis.
• Space segment procurement activities focusing on ADR relevant electronics hardware and test equipment.
• Participate in the electrical integration and the testing of different CubeSat modules, including the preparation of the bill of material, integration procedures for all active subsystems in collaboration with the systems engineer.
• Writing and maintaining technical documentation relevant to ADR systems.

Qualifications

Candidate Profile

Essential Criteria

• MSc from a reputable university in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related discipline.
• The candidate should have prior experience in conducting research in space debris and analyzing and categorizing according to their dimensions and orbits.
• Active Debris Removal (ADR) mechanism design and analysis based on mission needs.
• Experience in orbit design and analysis for CubeSat missions.
• Experience in engineering procurement activities; in coordination with cost and planning.
• Hands-on experience in developing hardware prototype for space applications.
• Experience in designing and analyzing laser ablation device as space propulsion concept.
• Ability to function as a team player working on multiple tasks with competing demands and deadlines.
• Well-developed reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.

Desired Criteria

• Hands-on experience in developing space robotics.
• Experience in component or part selection for space applications.
• \xc2\xb7Experience in environmental test and validation

Should you require further assistance or if you face any issue with the online application, please feel to contact the Recruitment Team ( ).

Primary Location: Abu Dhabi UAE
Job: Research Engineer
Schedule: Regular
Shift: Standard
Job Type: Full-time

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