Novacom II Platform Manager

Job Requisition ID: 17842

Date Posted: 6 May 2024

Application Deadline: 27 May 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communicati

Workplace: Harwell, GB

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Description
The NOVACOM II Platform Manager in the NOVACOM II Project within the Partnership and Opportunity Satellites Programme in the Connectivity and Secure Communication Directorate.

Novacom II supports the development of a new product line for geostationary satellites, providing customers with unprecedented flexibility for video broadcasting and broadband connectivity services by enabling the instant reconfiguration of missions and services in orbit.

Reporting to the Novacom II Project Manager, you will be responsible for monitoring the performance and engineering aspects of the satellite platform and monitoring coherence at platform level, including end-to-end performances when under ESA responsibility. You will serve as the focal point and local day-to-day interface with the prime contractor for the Novacom II Partnership Project. You will support the development of a long-term partnership with the industrial partner by fostering reliable technical collaboration and contributing to new innovation developments and digitalisation procurement.

Duties
Your main tasks and duties will include:

• developing and validating, in partnership with the industry team, innovative platform subsystems/equipment for integration into the Space Inspire new generic product line, up to product line on-ground qualification;
• managing, with the industrial prime contractor, the Novacom II subsystem and equipment reviews;
• participating in all major system reviews as the lead platform engineering representative of the ESA team;
• monitoring Novacom II product line competitiveness;
• contributing to the maintenance of the project risk register;
• monitoring the progress and achievements of the project milestones;
• contributing to regular technical, programmatic and financial reporting to ESA management and the participating States;
• contributing to new satellite equipment and systems development as well as digitalisation procurement in conjunction with industry;
• promoting European space system technology development;
• ensuring the coherence between the subsystem/equipment and the overall system, including the end-to-end performances when under ESA responsibility;
• managing a team of engineers and specialised engineering support from the ESA Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies
Knowledge of industrial cost and schedule aspects

Knowledge of space platform and payload technologies

Complex project risk management processes

Knowledge of ESA and mission/spacecraft development, verification and procurement processes

Multi-disciplinary knowledge of your area of responsibility

Knowledge of space system development and Product Assurance standards

Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education
A master's in a relevant engineering discipline is required.

Additional requirements
Experience in working in complex space programmes up to launch and in-orbit testing, preferably in the telecommunications domain, is desirable.
Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications industry and operator would be a distinct advantage.
Experience in partnership projects would be an asset.
A good command of spoken and written French would be a strong asset.

You should also have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team in a project setting;
• the ability to organise the activities of others 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 result 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.

People management experience would be an asset, as would international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

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.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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