Head of the Secure Connectivity Satellite Platform Section

Head of the Secure Connectivity Satellite Platform Section

Description

Head of the Secure Connectivity Satellite Platform Section in the Secure Connectivity Space Segment Office within the Secure Connectivity Programme Department in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity, hereinafter referred to as Secure Connectivity, 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 Space Segment Office, you will be responsible for all tasks relating to the design, development and deployment of the satellite/platform of the Secure Connectivity Space Segment.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• managing all engineering activities relating to the design, development, qualification, acceptance and validation of the satellites of the Secure Connectivity Space Segment, including the platforms of any constellations within the Secure Connectivity system of systems, within the agreed schedule, cost and technical requirements, including implementation of the applicable security requirements;
• management of the overall satellite-/platform-related engineering, manufacturing and assembly, integration and testing (AIT/AIV) activities, including the organisation and management of satellite-/platform-level reviews;
• consolidation and maintenance of the satellite/platform subsystem and equipment requirements specification, design, development, test and verification;
• monitoring industrial work associated with satellite/platform and ground support equipment procurement, ensuring full compliance with technical and programmatic requirements;
• monitoring and ensuring that all the relevant necessary satellite-/platform-related industrial activities are performed and that the design meets the project requirements;
• contributing to the management of system satellite budgets in your areas of responsibility;
• supporting, for satellite-/platform-related aspects, the preparation and management of all satellite launch campaign activities;
• analysis of satellite-/platform-related requests for changes, waivers and deviations, as well as non-conformances, anomalies and alerts, providing support to the relevant analyses at Space Segment and system level as and when required;
• supporting, for satellite-/platform-related aspects, the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), commissioning, the in-orbit test (IOT) campaign and the satellite operations, as well as evolutive maintenance and correction of in-orbit anomalies;
• maintenance of the Secure Connectivity satellite/platform development and deployment plan, schedule, risk register and relevant parts of the cost plan, with the required key performance indicators, for consolidation and approval at project level;
• implementation and enforcement of risk and security management processes at satellite/platform level;
• close coordination with the other Secure Connectivity project teams and disciplines, including the Space Segment Payload Section, the Ground Segment and Operations Office, the System Office and the Product Assurance and Safety Team;
• leading, managing and motivating the Satellite/Platform Team, including annual objective setting, management, daily supervision, annual assessment and preparing input for and following up the team manpower and travel budget;
• coordinating work and resource allocation to ensure timely execution of the relevant activities in coordination with the Head of the Payload Section and the Head of the Space Segment Office;
• securing adequate on-time support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality;
• provision of regular reporting on progress, issues, risks and schedule to the Head of the Space Segment Office;
• management of the Satellite/Platform Team, including the definition of day-to-day tasks and objectives as well as the setting of annual performance objectives and their assessment, including training needs, and ensuring that staff are motivated and committed to the project's goals.

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

Technical Competencies

• Experience in the design, development and testing of communication satellites and platforms
• Management and delivery of satellites and platforms within performance, cost and schedule
• Experience in managing and monitoring industrial work
• Experience in multi-agency cooperative projects
• Experience in risk management processes
• Extensive knowledge of ESA Space system development and PA standards

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree or equivalent qualification in engineering or physics is required.

Additional requirements

• Ability to manage individuals or a team in a project setting;
• Ability to organise individual and team activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• 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;
• 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.

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.

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, 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.