Lunar Projects Group Leader

Job Requisition ID: 18743

Date Posted: 17 June 2024

Application Deadline: 15 July 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Progr

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A6 - A6

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a Programme Directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Using a partnership between humans and robots, D/HRE is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

Under the direct authority of the Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, the Leader of the Lunar Projects Group manages the development of the Agency’s human and robotic spacecraft and systems for cis-lunar and Moon surface explorations.

Duties
You will manage the ESA ESM (European Service Module) team and:

• ensure the delivery to performance, schedule and budget requirements of the Orion-ESM (European Service Module) flight models, including generic qualifications and potential design adaptations;
• ensure the development of Argonaut LDE (including potential options and evolutions) to performance, schedule and budget requirements;
• ensure the passenger definition of the Argonaut mission(s) and, if required, its development;
• ensure the integration and operations of the Argonaut mission(s) to performance, schedule and budget requirements;
• ensure delivery to performance, schedule and budget requirements of the I-HAB and ESPRIT elements of the Gateway;
• ensure delivery to performance, schedule and budget requirements of the HLCS;
• define and develop the elements required to operate the European Gateway elements;
• define and initiate lunar resource infrastructure and resource developments to performance, schedule and budget requirements in line with the approved exploration strategy;
• ensure the Lunar Science Office’s activities are coordinated with the lunar mission opportunities and applications (in support of the HRE-S);
• as required, support future agreements as part of the ISS, Artemis and other international cooperations;
• ensure that the industrial policy and geographical return requirements are implemented;
• establish the Implementation Plan for the lunar destination derived from the Explore2040 European Exploration Strategy and support its translation into subsequent E3P Programme Proposal(s).

The Leader of the Lunar Projects Group is supported by the:

• ESM Team (HRE-LE);
• Argonaut Team (HRE-LA);
• Gateway Team (HRE-LG);
• HLCS Team (HRE-LH);
• Lunar Resource and Infrastructure Team (HRE-LR);
• Lunar Science Office (HRE-LS).

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

Technical competencies
Experience in large space projects

Experience in technology development and engineering support

Experience of working in a matrix organisation

Resource planning and management experience

Experience in technical reviews

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

Education
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Solid and proven experience in managing space activities in a multi-project environment, leading large teams.
• Openness to change and ability to lead change processes in a complex and versatile environment. Experience of change management in large organisations would be a plus.
• Proven track record of driving team performance, fostering cooperation across teams and stakeholders and developing and motivating people.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, ambassadorship and leadership skills are required, as well as knowledge of the internal operations of the Agency or a similar organisation.
• A demonstrated ability to synthesise technical and programmatic information, provide vision for technology development and stimulate the evolution of engineering activities is an essential prerequisite.

You should also have:

• the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Group and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity and to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.

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

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
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.

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.

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