Satellite ATM System Implementation Manager

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Description

Satellite ATM System Implementation Manager in the Safety and Security from Space Programme Office in the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The 4S (Space Systems for Safety and Security) Strategic Programme Line (SPL) is one of the three main strategic thrusts of the ESA programme in the field of satellite communications. It focuses on next-generation satcom solutions serving governmental needs and critical infrastructure and/or applications with high security, resilience and sovereignty requirements. Consequently, the 4S SPL emphasises security, safety, resilience and sovereignty in design, manufacturing techniques and operations.

In this context, space-based communication and surveillance systems supporting air traffic management (ATM), safety and domain awareness are a clear priority in the short and medium term. These systems are developed by following demanding processes whose strict application is necessary for the certification required before the system begins operations and service can be delivered to end users; hence the need for the Satellite ATM System Implementation Manager to have specific knowledge of aviation-specific requirements and processes in addition to being an expert in space-based communication and surveillance solutions.

As System Implementation Manager, you will initiate, support and coordinate both the ATM-related work at SPL level and potentially all aviation/ATM-related initiatives and projects pursued under 4S.

Reporting hierarchically to the 4S Strategic Programme Line Manager and Head of the Space Systems for Safety and Security Office, you will also liaise with the 4S Implementation Manager in charge of the programmatic and management aspects of the SPL and the 4S System Architect in charge of the overall consistency of the system and technical activities in the 4S area.

As Implementation Manager, you will also support major 4S projects, reporting functionally to the relevant project manager, in the areas of your specific competence.

Under the Space Systems for Safety and Security strategic programme, one of the main current areas of focus is next-generation space-based solutions that will support air traffic management in Europe and beyond. This effort includes partnerships with ESA-supported private initiatives aiming to deploy these new systems, but also a set of ESA-initiated activities contributing to the objective. It also includes solutions responding to the specific needs of operating UAS/RPAS safely and effectively in the overall airspace.

Duties

You will specialise in integrating satellite communication technologies into aviation infrastructure to enhance communication and surveillance (CNS). Working at the intersection of aerospace, telecommunications and aviation safety, you will design and deploy systems that allow for more efficient, secure and reliable communication between ground controllers and aircraft, such as the Iris programme.

You will initiate, support and coordinate all ATM-related 4S SPL activities. In addition, you will directly contribute to some projects, supporting and reporting functionally to the corresponding project manager, for a significant share of your time, up to 80% in 2026.

In particular, you will support the Iris Global project in the following areas:

• Following the evolution of the aviation regulatory environment, identifying elements with a potential impact on Iris Global;
• Supporting the Iris Project Manager in interfacing with aviation stakeholders, such as regulatory and standardisation bodies, SESAR, EASA, EUROCONTROL and the ICAO;
• Ensuring consistency between user needs and the end-to-end system of Iris Global and its evolutions;
• Supporting the specification and development of critical technologies for Iris Global;
• Supporting Iris Global developments and demonstrations in the RPAS domain;
• Identifying critical development problems in the context of Iris Global and assisting in their resolution;
• Contributing to Iris Global project reviews.

Other 4S-related activities

Reporting to the Head of the Safety and Security from Space Programme Office, you will also support the 4S Implementation Manager and the 4S System Architect with their tasks and responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the 4S procurement process, including participation in tender evaluation boards (TEBs);
• Contributing to assessing and then supporting the individual activities and projects proposed by industry in direct negotiation, with the aim of maximising the impact of their contribution to the 4S strategy and related Member State investment;
• Supporting 4S-related project reviews as needed;
• Defining steps and processes relating to knowledge capture at the end of each activity and providing feedback for the roadmap;
• Promoting, from a technical point of view, the activities of the unit by participating in conferences and supporting marketing campaigns.

Key responsibilities

• Liaising and working closely with the overall ATM ecosystem to ensure a full understanding of current and future requirements for space-based solutions, including the programmatic and technical definition of relevant solutions, their development within the ATM ecosystem and coordination of related development work with ATM milestones;
• System design and development: conceptualising and developing satellite communication systems for air-ground communication;
• Infrastructure development and validation: working with industry to develop and validate CNS (communication, navigation and surveillance) systems in line with ICAO, EASA and CAA standards;
• Safety and certification: ensuring systems meet strict safety, security and performance standards, for example ATN OSI/IPS;
• Testing and validation: interfacing with all European aviation stakeholders, such as EUROCONTROL and EASA, and ensuring a smooth process of gathering their needs and feedback relating to the exploitation of systems that are currently operational or the demonstration of future operational ATM systems, and translating feedback into clear guidelines and requirements for future space-based solutions.

Technical competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the European aviation ecosystem at the policy, operational or technical level
• Demonstrated knowledge of ATM systems and experience in their design, validation and testing
• Demonstrated experience in the design, development and validation of end-to-end complex satellite systems, preferably in telecommunication, detection, collection and processing of satellite RF/signals
• Familiarity with simulation tools, system engineering documentation and project management

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline 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

The following are considered assets:

• Experience working in a matrix organisation
• Knowledge of ESA and experience in the implementation of ESA R&D/project activities
• Knowledge of the defence and security environment

Frequent travel in Europe, in particular to the other ESA establishments, is required.

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.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.