Head of the Ground Segment System and Cyber Security Engineering Section

Job Requisition ID: 18903

Date Posted: 3 October 2024

Application Deadline: 24 October 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Operations

Workplace: Darmstadt, DE Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Description
You will report to the Head of the System and Applications Engineering Division (OPS-GA) in the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department of the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).

As the Head of the Ground Segment System and Cyber Security Engineering Section (OPS-GAE), you will be responsible for:

• supporting ESA programmes through the architecting and management of end-to-end ground segment systems and cyber security engineering activities in support of the overall ESA matrix organisation;
• the overall security engineering management for the Directorate, contributing to its cyber security strategy;
• leading the system engineering and cyber security-related technology and standardisation strategies and managing the necessary developments as part of the ESA technology programmes.

Duties
You will support ESA programmes by managing end-to-end ground segment systems and applications and architecting cyber security projects as part of the ESA matrix organisation. Your duties will include:

• providing the ground segment perspective for the evolution of the overall ESA system-level cyber security architecture in close collaboration with the ESA Security Office:
  • Overall coordination of OPS cyber security engineering management in close coordination with the OPS Information Security Officer (ISO), including management of the cyber security engineering elements of the OPS cyber security roadmap;
• maintaining, evolving and enforcing the applications and space safety elements of the OPS Information Security Management System (ISMS);
• providing Project System Security Officer (PSSO) services;
• coordinating the Department’s cross-functional cyber security community of practice in close coordination with the Lead Ground Segment Engineering Architect and ensuring the application of end-to-end cyber security engineering processes and certification for systems developed under the responsibility of the Department;
• managing security awareness and export control training within the Department;
• contributing to technology development and adoption, standardisation and technology harmonisation in cyber security, ground segment engineering and space safety in close coordination with the Lead Ground Segment Engineering Architect and other relevant parties within and external to the Agency;
• promoting the adoption of innovative concepts, technologies and standards;
• managing the Advanced Ground Segment Applications (AGSA) Lab on behalf of the Division;
• managing, motivating and developing the staff to foster a friendly and cooperative spirit within and outside the Section;
• sharing staff expertise and allocation for specific projects within the Division.

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

Technical competencies
Strong and proven skills in engineering project planning, management, and execution as well as management of industrial contracts

Proven expertise in ground segment system engineering

Proven track record of leading and managing a team of engineers

Proven track record of customer relationship development and management

Strategy formulation and execution skills

Experience in implementing and driving R&D and/or industrial activities, as well as knowledge of ESA technology programmes

Modern software engineering, for example model-based system engineering

Experience in cyber security engineering strategy, planning and execution is preferred

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

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

Additional requirements
Background or experience in:

• project management;
• procurement of industrial services;
• working within complex inter-organisational projects.

You should, in addition, have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team;
• the ability to organise individual and team 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;
• a 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 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
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.

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

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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