EO Small Sats Project Manager

Job Requisition ID: 18604

Date Posted: 23 April 2024

Application Deadline: 14 May 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Greece National Project “EO Small Sats” Project Manager in the Projects Department (EOP-P) of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Duties
If selected for this position, you will report to the EO National Projects Programme Manager and will be responsible for the implementation of the (Earth Observation part of the) Greek National Project under the lead and supervision of the EO National Projects Programme Manager. In view of the end-to-end nature of the system to be developed, you will liaise closely with the other departments and offices within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes to ensure that a coherent, high-performance system can be put in place.

Your duties will include:

• managing the development and ensuring the completion of all the components of the system (namely space, ground and user’s segments) within schedule, specification and cost;
• optimising the coherence of the system with the user requirements;
• optimising the costs of the space segment within the constraints set;
• optimising the coherence with the ground data segment while minimising its operation costs;
• developing a coherent system based on elements developed outside the project itself;
• managing and motivating the ESA team;
• acting as point of contact towards the Greek national authorities and managing that interface in a cooperative spirit;
• organising the procurement process;
• reporting the progress of the activities and proactively mitigating the development risks.

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

Technical competencies
Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of and experience in satellite design, development, verification/testing, launch and in-orbit validation

Proven experience of managing space project development

Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects

Complex project risk management processes

Familiarity with ESA procurement aspects

Experience in managing user requirements

Knowledge of space mission operations and operations planning

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

Education
A master’s degree in an engineering field or related subject is required for this post.

Additional requirements
Applicants will preferably have previous professional experience in a project or programme, at Agency or industry level. Knowledge and/or understanding of space systems architecture will also be considered an asset. Substantial experience is essential in the application of project management and project control principles and advanced project management techniques, as well as in the preparation, negotiation and implementation of major industrial procurements. Engineering experience in a project or programme will be considered an asset.

Previous experience working on a multi-agency, cooperative programme is an advantage.

In addition, candidates should have:

• the ability to organise team activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• the ability to drive the team’s performance, developing 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;
• a strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively;
• good oral, written and presentational communication skills.

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.

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
Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

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.

Who we recruit »

Recruitment Process »

What we offer »

Life at ESA »

FAQ »

Apply now »