Celeste Implementation Manager (2 posts)

Implementation Manager (Celeste Programme) (2 posts)

Reporting to the Head of the Celeste Programme, the Implementation Manager will be responsible for the implementation of all industrial activities related to the In-Orbit Preparatory (IOP) or In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) phase of the Celeste programme.

Celeste is Component 1 LEO-PNT of the FutureNAV programme. Celeste represents the ESA contribution towards establishing a European Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation and Timing (LEO-PNT) capability as part of a multilayer system-of-systems PNT architecture. This component aims to complement existing GNSS services by leveraging a constellation of LEO satellites to deliver enhanced resilience, improved accuracy, and innovative features for emerging applications.

Celeste team activities

• Implementation of the Celeste In-Orbit Demonstrator (IOD) phase, with two ongoing industrial contracts, each of them implementing an end-to-end system (including launch services, operations and service demonstration), showcasing the feasibility and benefits of using low-Earth orbits, novel signals and frequency bands;
• Implementation of the Celeste In-Orbit Preparatory (IOP) phase, to prepare for a future LEO-PNT operational system for the European Union and to unlock global commercial opportunities, driving innovation and reinforcing European leadership in emerging PNT markets, including the development and qualification of pre-operational products and building blocks, their industrialisation, including mature and qualified technologies, and the creation of the Celeste in-orbit validation end-to-end system;
• The associated system engineering, technology development, ground segment, launch services, operations, in-orbit demonstration, industrialisation and system in-orbit validation activities;
• The associated coordination activities with the European Union in preparation for an EU LEO-PNT operational system;
• Contribution towards LEO-PNT interoperability and compatibility with GNSS and other LEO-PNT systems, in collaboration with international stakeholders.

Description

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Responsibility for the end-to-end implementation and management of the Celeste IOP or IOD industrial activities within the agreed technical specifications, cost and schedule;
• Management of the industrial Celeste IOP or IOD contracts;
• Leading, managing and motivating the Celeste team including the specialised engineering support by the Directorates of Technology, Engineering & Quality and the Directorate of Operations, including annual objectives setting, management, daily supervision and annual assessment;
• Regular reporting on the progress, status, schedule and outcome of managed activities to hierarchical management and programme boards;
• Interfacing with stakeholders (third-party end-user communities, regulatory bodies, EU, international partners);
• Development, manufacturing and testing of the space segment and relevant ground and test user segments;
• The overall mission-specific system, satellite and ground system integration and pre-launch verification activities;
• Execution of launch and early commissioning activities;
• Monitoring of the initial years of operations for satellite on-board performance and issues;
• Collection and management of the operational and experimentation data;
• Coordinating work and resource allocation to ensure timely execution of relevant activities in coordination with other managers in the Celeste programme;
• Reporting regularly and ad hoc to the Head of the Celeste Programme on all aspects of the Celeste IOP or IOD, proactive monitoring of relevant schedules, identifying risks and problem areas, and proposing mitigation actions;
• Generating status reporting, conclusions, recommendations and lessons learned for future phases of Celeste and LEO-PNT in general.

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

Technical competencies

• Background in space systems engineering with satellite development and end-to-end view of satellite navigation projects
• Background in satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit
• Knowledge and experience of project management, including risk management and schedule management
• Knowledge and experience of project risk management
• Knowledge and experience of managing industrial activities in space domains
• Knowledge of other technical domains with interfaces to your own area of responsibility
• Knowledge of space system development and PA standards
• Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in engineering or a related field is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

• Experience in managing complex space projects;
• The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts in a project setting;
• The ability to organise their 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;
• Strong results 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.

Important information

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

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, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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.