Context:

The eXTP (enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission) is a science space mission aimed to study the state of matter under extreme conditions of density, gravity and magnetism (https://www.isdc.unige.ch/extp/). 

Its phase A has been already approved by CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and by ESA (European Space Agency) in October 2019. Europe is providing the Wide Field Monitor (WFM), a coded mask instrument and the Large Area Detector (LAD). We at ICE-CSIC (see http://www.ice.csic.es/) and IEEC http://www.ieec.cat are PI of the WFM, and we are also responsible of the coded masks and the mechanical structure of the cameras (collimator and detector box). Expected launch date of eXTP is about 2027. The eXTP LAD and WFM instruments are based on the heritage of the feasibility study of LOFT, performed by us for ESA up to 2013 (ESA M3 call).

eXTP is now in phase B, ready to start Phase B2 after the forthcoming I-SRR (Instrument -System Requirements Review), expected to take place early 2022, under coordination of CAS and ESA.

Specific tasks:

The mechanical engineer will work in the optimization of the mechanical design of the WFM: coded mask assembly, collimator, detector and front-end electronics housing box. Knowledge of software for mechanical design and analysis, e.g., NASTRAN, is required, as well as good level of English language. 

The mechanical engineer will also be responsible of studying the materials and suppliers for the WFM cameras subsystems above mentioned, in coordination with industry, taking into account restrictions of export control to China. During phase B2, we will continue the ongoing development of the demonstration models of the WFM subsystems; the mechanical engineer will be in charge of the coordination between industry and ICE-CSIC for such tasks. 

Work is done in the framework of a large an international collaboration, with several EU countries (Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Switzerland, Turkey) and with China.

Contract: 

Full time contract, starting as soon as possible (March-April 2022).

Duration: until the end of the current Spanish Ministry - MICINN - funded project about eXTP (August 2023) got by our group, but new funded projects for at least 3 more years are envisioned, if the eXTP project goes ahead as expected.

Contact:

Application, including a CV and a letter of motivation, should be sent to Prof. Margarita Hernanz, PI of the WFM (hernanz@ice.csic.es). For more information, use the same email address. The position will be open until filled.