Head of the Technology Department

Job Description: Head of the Technology Department

Reporting to: Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC).

The Technology Department is responsible for technology strategy, research and technology development programmes, the Education Programme, and the Directorate’s Communication activities. As Head of the Technology Department, you will be supported by the Advanced Concepts and Studies Office, the Technology Programme Office, the Technology Coordination and Planning Office, the Education Office, and D/TEC and ESTEC Communication.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Ramping up and leading the newly defined Technology Department (TEC-R).
• Developing and implementing ESA's overall technology strategy, ensuring alignment with programme needs, future missions, and strategic objectives.
• Overseeing the full technology development life cycle (TRL1 to TRL9) by organising studies, research, and developments that provide a continuous technology development path, leveraging available resources and competencies.
• Coordinating and harmonising technology developments across ESA's internal programmes, as well as with European and national technology development programmes, to foster collaboration and enhance efficiency.
• Leading the preparation of future missions by conducting early-phase studies, system analyses and feasibility assessments, and establishing mission baselines to support decision-making for ESA leadership and Member States.
• Developing effective R&D processes in partnership with D/TEC business partners, senior technical authorities, and system engineers to ensure that user and programme needs are addressed, enhancing innovation and efficiency.
• Collaborating with the Director of Commercialization, Industry, and Competitiveness (D/CIC) to align R&D activities with commercialization strategies, amplifying ESA's competitive position in the marketplace.
• Coordinating with the Director of Operations (D/OPS) on ground system R&D activities to ensure smooth integration with broader technical and operational goals.
• Managing the integration of education-related activities into R&D processes to optimise knowledge-sharing and innovation within the Agency.
• Optimizing the communication of ESA's technical expertise, infrastructure, and capabilities to internal and external stakeholders, increasing visibility and fostering partnerships.
• Leading D/TEC's internal and external communication activities, working closely with ESA's corporate Communication team to ensure consistent messaging and engagement.
• Chairing the Senior Future Programme Board to provide leadership in shaping future programme directions and ensuring alignment with ESA's strategic priorities.

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

Technical Competencies

• Relevant knowledge about space systems, their technological principles, and the underlying basic technologies, as well as the relevant engineering and development processes.
• Ability to create and execute a strategic technology plan aligned with ESA's goals and industry trends.
• Expertise in managing the development of technologies through all technology readiness levels (TRL1–9).
• Knowledge of designing and managing R&D processes that meet technical, user, and programmatic needs.
• Experience in conducting early-phase mission studies and feasibility assessments and establishing mission baselines.
• Competence in managing risks and resources for R&D projects.

Behavioural Competencies

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

Additional Requirements

In addition, you should have:

• Change management experience.
• Proven experience of leading, motivating, and developing a team in a project or R&D environment or similar.
• The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Department and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context.
• The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation.
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written.
• A proven track record of representing the Agency's interests to external interfaces.
• Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills.
• 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 as well as to support others, such as team members, upper management, and other stakeholders, in this process.
• The ability to think strategically.
• Awareness of relevant industry standards and regulations that impact technology development and commercialisation.
• The ability to influence internal stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills to engage with large numbers of stakeholders.
• Strong team player qualities and the ability to build TEC-R internal and external team spirit.
• The ability to lead roadmaps and strategy without formal disciplinary authority.
• The ability to simplify complexity.
• A strong mindset for decision-making and the assumption of responsibility.
• The ability to organise and manage in a systematic manner.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Additional Information

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.