Secure Connectivity Ground Segment System Engineer

Secure Connectivity Ground Segment System Engineer at ESA

Description

Secure Connectivity Ground Segment System Engineer in the Secure Connectivity Ground Segment and Operations Office (CSC-IG) within the Secure Connectivity Programme Department (CSC-I) in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity, hereinafter referred to as “Secure Connectivity” or “IRIS²”, is intended to support the effective development and validation of the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure and the services provided by it, as well as the validation and demonstration of services based on the commercial infrastructure developed by the contractor(s) delivering the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure.

Reporting to the Head of the Secure Connectivity Ground Segment and Operations Office, you will be responsible for supervising all ground segment system engineering tasks relating to the effective design and development of the overall IRIS² ground segment.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• supervising the technical requirements lifecycle applicable to the IRIS² ground segment, including functional, performance, operational, service and security requirements, as well as their breakdown at subsystem level, and the associated interfaces;
• managing or participating in reviews relating to Secure Connectivity at ground segment level;
• supervising the implementation of the ground segment activities;
• ensuring end-to-end technical consistency of all procurement activities at segment level, as well as segment security engineering activities in liaison with the Security Office;
• liaising with the System Office and the Space Segment Office, in particular for the interfaces with the space segment and outside the system perimeter of IRIS², as well as the preparation of future generations of the constellation;
• preparing and implementing all engineering and R&D activities directly relating to the development and implementation of the system;
• monitorig of relevant schedules in a proactive manner, identifying risk and problem areas in the ground segment, supporting risks and problem areas in the System Office, providing assessments and proposing mitigation actions from industry and on the ESA side;
• monitoring changes within the ground segment perimeter;
• supervising all verification, validation and qualification activities at ground segment level;
• may have the delegation responsibility from project management on programmatic aspects.

You will interface with internal and external stakeholders in the area of Ground Segment and Operations.

Technical competencies

• Proven experience in systems engineering for ground segment systems, preferably within the satellite communications domain
• Strong capability in requirements management for large-scale space programmes or projects, including requirements decomposition, traceability across system levels, and handling of evolving requirements
• Solid experience in the definition, management and validation of subsystem interfaces, ensuring seamless integration and functionality
• Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee industrial activities, including technical oversight, contract negotiations and coordination of key technical reviews
• Expertise in risk management, including risk identification, mitigation planning and assessment of impact on project schedules

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Ability to adapt to frequent changes;
• 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.

Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications company and operator will be a distinct advantage.
Experience in public-private partnership projects would be an asset.Public speaking experience and the ability to conceptualise complex ideas would be beneficial.Experience working on projects with a security dimension would be beneficial.

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.

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 information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the 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 are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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.