Job
- Level
- Lead
- Location
- Darmstadt
- Working Model
- Onsite
- Job Field
- Software, Project
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Contract Type
- Permanent employment
Job Summary
You will lead the technical development and management of ESTRACK ground stations, coordinate engineering support for ESA programs, and drive innovations in space communication and safety domains.
Your role in the team
- Head of the Systems and Project Support Section in the Ground Station Engineering Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.
- The Systems and Project Support Section is responsible for the system aspects of all cross-cutting activities across the various sections in the Ground Station Engineering Division.
- In particular, it is responsible for the specification, design and evolution of ESA Tracking Station Network (ESTRACK) ground station systems.
- The Section coordinates the provision of engineering matrix support to all ESA programmes and third party projects, throughout all mission phases, in the Division's domains of expertise for ground-based RF and optical applications, including space communication, navigation, timing, radars and space safety applications.
- You, as the Head of the Systems and Project Support Section, will lead the management and evolution of the Ground Segment Reference Facility, coordinate the technology developments across the Division and act as the Lead Technical Authority for ground station engineering.
- Lead the system aspects in all cross-cutting activities across the various Sections in the Division.
- Lead the system-level specification, design and architectural evolution of ESTRACK ground stations, follow up implementation, and verify the performance and suitability of the stations for operations.
- Coordinate the provision of engineering matrix services to all ESA programmes and third party projects, throughout all mission phases, including space communication, navigation, timing, radars and space safety applications.
- Ensure consistency between the ESTRACK station performance in all relevant transmit and receive frequency bands for all missions entrusted to ESA.
- Take on the role of Lead Technical Authority for ground stations engineering.
- Coordinate the technology development, harmonisation and standardisation activities of the Division and represent the domain in related forums (TECNET, CCSDS, IOAG, etc.).
- Follow the evolution of the industrial landscape in relevant application domains and coordinate the technology evolution roadmaps in close collaboration with industry.
- Manage the Ground Segment Reference Facility (GSRF) and its evolution.
- Lead radio frequency compatibility tests (RFCT) in coordination with the Ground Operations Division for ESTRACK stations, subsystem validation tests for ESTRACK stations, radar stations, optical ground stations, and complete ground segment validations under mission specific configuration control.
- Manage industrial contracts and services for the above activities.
- Identify, assess, manage and report the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Our expectations of you
Education
- A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with five years of relevant professional experience.
Qualifications
- Proven systems engineering and management capabilities for complex solutions and associated systems.
- Knowledge of the domain's ecosystem and landscape.
- Demonstrated ability to spin-in innovation and successfully manage change.
- Strong competence in eliciting and capturing customer needs.
- Demonstrated track record of delivering innovative, efficient and operable systems within time, quality and budget constraints.
- The potential to manage individuals.
- The ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment.
- Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills.
- The ability to drive your team's performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback.
- Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills.
- Strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing.
- The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.
Experience
- Demonstrated competencies and experience in the Section's domain.
- Demonstrated experience of coordinating engineering matrix support for different lines of business.
- Team management experience as well as experience in interacting with ESA programmes, international partners (at managerial and technical level), ESA delegations, standardisation bodies and technology development processes would be an asset.
- People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.
What we offer
- Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.
- During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
- Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
- Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
- The information published on ESA's careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication.
- It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Topics You Will Work On
Job Locations
About Your Employer
European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe's gateway to space. By coordinating and promoting the development of European space activities, ESA ensures that European investments in space bring lasting benefits to all Europeans.
Description
- Company Type
- Established Company
- Working Model
- Onsite
- Industry
- Science, Research
Head of Systems and Project Support Section
- Location
- Darmstadt
- Working Model
- Onsite
- Diversity
- Open for all genders
