Head of the Small Satellites Unit

As Head of the Small Satellites Section in the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division of the Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, you will report directly to the Head of the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division and be responsible for managing the Small Satellites Section, its resources and its portfolio of activities within ESA.

You will also serve as ESA’s focal point for small satellites systems engineering, small and innovative project management, and the associated technology developments, ensuring that the Agency remains at the forefront of rapid and innovative space missions.

As Head of the Small Satellites Section, you will lead a dynamic team driving ESA’s small satellite strategy, shaping pioneering in-orbit demonstration and validation (IOD/IOV) missions, building Europe’s competitiveness in the global space sector, and preparing the next generation of space systems.

Duties

Within the technical domain defined above, your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

• Lead SmallSat projects in coordination with the Technology Department and oversee the preparation, approval and implementation of in-orbit demonstration and validation missions, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• Provide support to SmallSat activities across all ESA Directorates, the European Commission and other agencies.
• Anticipate trends, promote innovative R&D activities, and integrate emerging technologies into demonstration missions in coordination with other engineering domains in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
• Support the coordination of technology demonstration missions across the various programmes at ESA, engaging with European industry, research institutions, international partners and ESA Member States.
• Develop the Section’s multi-year activity plan, including required competencies and resource allocation.
• Set annual objectives and manage or coordinate specialised technical support within the Section's domains of expertise, in close cooperation with functional managers.
• For projects supported by the Section, actively enhance the agility and flexibility necessary to address short-notice and peak-period project resource requirements.
• Assume accountability for all activities and resources assigned to the Section, and resolve any conflicts concerning the utilisation of the Section’s resources.
• Monitor, measure and report on performance at individual and team level, in particular regarding the Section’s objectives.
• Be accountable to the hierarchy for all daily matters within the Section and for the achievement of the Section’s objectives.
• Be accountable for the Section members' career management, including individual performance assessments, merit recognition exercises, and regular feedback.
• Ensure regular interaction between Section members, supporting teamwork, the exchange of experience and lessons learned, as well as the gathering of feedback.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of working procedures, tools, processes, expert working methods and delivery methods, including lessons learned and knowledge management, and to the reflection on the evolution of the Section's role and activities.
• Contribute to the independent technical assessment capability and support project reviews.
• Represent the Agency in your area or areas of expertise within ESA and with external entities, including industry and delegations.
• Coordinate the dissemination of the Section’s results within and beyond ESA, in particular via conferences, workshops and R&D presentation days.
• Define, promote and implement the Section’s contributions to ESA technology programmes and R&D activities in line with anticipated technology trends and project needs.
• Coordinate, where applicable, the requirements of technology elements in your domain of expertise with the overall requirements of systems being developed under the responsibility of other areas in the Directorate.
• Liaise with relevant technology expert groups and coordination mechanisms.
• Ensure a positive and motivating working environment for the Section.
• Communicate ESA values and ensure compliance with all ESA policies.
• Represent the Section when brokering agreements with other parties and actively encourage cross-Section cooperation.
• Anticipate and resolve sensitive or difficult situations, detect and manage health and safety issues, and liaise with HR as required.
• Establish good working relationships and technical networks with users, project groups and other organisations both inside and outside the Agency.
• Report to high-level management and flow down communication from management.
• Support the evolution of standards in the context of the ECSS system and mission classification related to the technical domains of the Section.

Technical competencies

• Extensive phase B2/C/D experience in the development of small satellite platforms.
• General knowledge of RF and optical payload systems.
• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position.
• Experience in supporting ESA programmes and/or projects, as well as knowledge of their technical and programmatic requirements in relevant technical domains.
• Knowledge of the industrial landscape and ability to define technology development roadmaps identifying future trends in technology requirements.
• Experience in driving R&D activities, as well as knowledge of ESA technology programmes.
• Experience in ESA procurement processes and contract management as well as applied negotiation skills.
• Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in aerospace engineering or in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts in a project or R&D setting.
• The ability to organise activities and ensure a motivating work environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills.
• The ability to drive team performance, develop 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 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 would be an asset, as would international experience, including outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

Important information

• In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band. 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 and eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.
• ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

Nationality and languages

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, 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.