Copernicus Ground Segment Manager

Job Requisition ID: 18595

Date Posted: 8 May 2024

Application Deadline: 29 May 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace: Frascati, IT

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description
Copernicus Ground Segment Manager in the Copernicus Mission Operations Management Section, Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division, Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Duties
In relation with the Copernicus mission or missions assigned, of which the Sentinel-2 mission amongst others, your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• managing the Copernicus mission-specific ground segment operations in accordance with the Copernicus ground segment operations framework and in coordination with the Copernicus Ground Segment System and Services teams, the Mission Management team, the Mission Product Quality Management teams, the Space Segment teams and the Flight Operations Segment teams.
• defining and maintaining any mission-specific ground segment documentation as part of the overall Copernicus ground segment technical baseline;
• leading the identification of the challenges and opportunities introduced by the Copernicus mission specificities for the evolution of the Copernicus ground segment;
• establishing any necessary evolutions of the Copernicus ground segment architecture and interfaces to integrate and operate the new Copernicus satellite units and future Copernicus missions in coordination with the Copernicus Ground Segment System team;
• defining and maintaining any specific ground segment service needs to support the onboarding in the Copernicus ground segment framework of new satellite units and future Copernicus missions and interacting with the Copernicus Ground Segment Services teams to prepare the relevant procurement actions;
• establishing and managing a project plan for the preparation of the ground segment operations for the new Sentinel units and future Copernicus missions, in accordance with the Copernicus ground segment operations framework and with the status of the corresponding space segment activities;
• establishing and managing the Copernicus ground segment technical and operational baseline related to the specificities of the Copernicus missions, as part of the overall Copernicus ground segment technical baseline and in coordination with the Copernicus Ground Segment System team;
• interacting with the Copernicus Space Segment and Flight Operations Segment teams for matters related to the Copernicus mission specificities, in particular in terms of data downlink, mission planning and payload data processing;
• establishing and managing the pre-launch system test activities for the future Copernicus Sentinel units and future Copernicus missions in cooperation with the Copernicus Space Segment and Flight Operations Segment teams;
• acting as ambassador for the end-to-end Copernicus ground segment design and operations with a focus on the Copernicus missions assigned, including the participation in related milestones and the recurrent reporting on the missions operations preparation or monitoring;
• interacting and coordinating with the DestinE teams for matters related to the specificities of the Copernicus missions, in particular to streamline the usage of the data generated as part of the Copernicus ground segment for simulation, modelling and AI-related applications in the context of DestinE.
  

Technical competencies
Solid knowledge of Ground Segments for Earth Observation missions

Experience in Earth observation missions Ground Segment operations management

Solid knowledge and experience of the Sentinel-2 mission system and related operational aspects

Good experience in participating in the lifecycle of space systems engineering projects

Good knowledge of Copernicus missions

Good experience of project management

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

Education
A master's in a relevant engineering subject is required for this post.

Additional requirements
You should also:

• demonstrate awareness of the Copernicus missions;
• demonstrate the capability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team and to take responsible decisions as part of that team;
• have a high level of self-motivation and autonomy;
• have a strong ability to take an overall system view, and a capacity to propose solutions within a broader, strategic perspective;
• demonstrate flexibility in dealing with day-to-day operational challenges.

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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