Job opportunities

Call for applications for the selection process to fill the position of Junior Systems Engineer at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia

OF_IEEC_230_2025
Publication date
2025-12-19
Deadline
2026-01-14

The IEEC (Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia) was established in February 1996 as a private non-profit foundation (NPO) to promote R&D in the space field in Catalonia. The IEEC is a research institute that studies all areas of knowledge and technologies applied to the space sector and space sciences, including astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, Earth observation, navigation and space engineering. Its mission is to push the frontiers of space research from the scientific and technological fields for the maximum benefit of society. It should also be noted that the Foundation is attached to the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government) and forms part of its institutional public sector due to the fact that the Generalitat has a majority participation in the Board of Trustees of the IEEC.

Introduction

The purpose of this call is the selection process of a candidate to fill the position of Junior Systems Engineer assigned to the Research Area of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), with experience in project management within the space sector. The work environment is multidisciplinary, and the role involves drafting technical reports, project monitoring, and participation in the preparation of proposals.

The SPACEGENFISH project aims to establish sustainable food production in space by designing an integrated and autonomous circular aquaculture system for the ISS, the Moon, or Mars. The primary objective is to develop autonomous hardware for fish farming and to investigate how microgravity and radiation affect their biology and epigenetics. Cutting-edge technologies such as ICECubes and WGMS sequencing will be used to reveal molecular modifications and identify "Epimarkers" that enable survival in this extreme environment. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring a stable food source for astronauts and will also provide benefits on Earth by improving the resilience of aquaculture species.

  • Position to be filled: 1.Call for applications for the selection process to fill the position of Junior Systems Engineer at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia
  • Professional Group: Group II. Engineering Staff.
  • Professional Category: Junior Engineer.
  • Working hours: 20 hours/week.
  • Work location: Esteve Terradas 1, RDIT Building, Mediterranean Technology Park (PMT) Baix Llobregat Campus – UPC, Castelldefels, 08860, Barcelona.

Functions

The selected candidate will have the following functions and responsibilities:

  • Monitoring the tasks of the SPACEGENFISH project (ESA PRODEX), ensuring compliance with regulations, deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Drafting technical monitoring documentation and final reports.
  • Supervision and execution of public procurement and agreements associated with project activities.
  • Coordination with scientists from the Institute of Marine Sciences (CSIC) and Radian Systems, as well as subcontractors and other entities associated with the project's research line.
  • Planning meetings, taking minutes, and following up on actions linked to the project and associated proposals and transfer activities.
  • Organizing trips and events with entities and research groups to promote collaborations within the framework of the ongoing project, as well as in associated proposals and transfer activities.
  • Participation in dissemination/communication actions linked to the research line.
  • Reporting to the PI (Principal Investigator) and the project coordinator.

 

This position requires availability to travel within Catalonia and Europe, with occasional overnight stays.

Participation requirements and selection criteria

The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:

  • Education and requeriments
    • Minimum degree: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent.
  • Good oral and written command of the Catalan language, equivalent to level B2 or higher.
  • Good oral and written command of the English language, equivalent to level B2 or higher.

The following aspects will be considered desirable merits (Maximum 20 points):

  • Experience in monitoring projects linked to the space sector (up to 4 points).
  • Experience in drafting technical documentation and final reports (up to 4 points).
  • Experience in designing test procedures (up to 2 points).
  • Profile with attention to detail and an organized and structured work approach. Ability to work autonomously with a proactive approach (up to 2 points).
  • Ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize information (up to 2 points).
  • Ability to prioritize workload and efficiently distribute existing tasks, especially in case of task conflicts (up to 2 points).
  • Empathy, maturity, and oral and written communication skills (up to 2 points).
  • Knowledge of IT tools to support the management and execution of proposals/projects, including AI tools (up to 1 point).
  • Other knowledge or circumstances related to the job position (up to 1 point).

Contact and deadline

Interested persons who meet the established requirements can send cover letter and the personal curriculum in PDF format, signed as certification, with a brief description of the tasks carried out in the positions previously occupied, to the email address: RecursosHumans@ieec.cat indicating the reference "Surnames and Name – OF_IEEC_230_2025" in the subject line of the email.

The reception of applications ends on

14/01/2026
Applications that do not meet the requirements included in the cases provided for, or those which are not processed in accordance with the established procedure will not be considered.

Selection procedure

Initially, a verification of the requirements of participation will be carried out and a first selection of candidates will be made based on the documents contributed. Next, if necessary, the shortlisted candidates may be called to a personal interview to expand the detailed information in the curriculum and assess aspects related to professional competences.

The evaluation committee for this procedure will consist of:

a) Principal Investigator of the SpaceGenFish project at IEEC

b) Head of the Space Sector Promotion Area of Catalonia at IEEC (APEC) or a designated delegate.

c)Head of the Knowledge Transfer Office at IEEC (KTO) or a designated delegate.

Interested parties must have the original certificates accrediting the education and work experience mentioned in the CV and must present them if requested.

In compliance with the LISMI (Law for the Social Integration of the Disabled), the IEEC will consider reservations for candidates who certify a disability equal to or greater than 33%, provided they are suitable for the performance of the functions to be covered.