Head of the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division

As Head of the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division in the Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, you will lead ESA’s flagship capability for In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV), shaping how breakthrough technologies are flown, proven and transitioned into operational missions and commercial services.

Europe is entering into a decisive decade for space system innovation. Small satellites, CubeSats and microsatellites are no longer niche platforms; they are becoming strategic enablers for large constellations, resilient infrastructures, rapid innovation cycles, and even autonomous deep space exploration. In this role, you will be at the heart of this transformation.

The Division brings together small satellite and CubeSat expertise, combining agility with system-level excellence to de-risk technologies that will define Europe’s future space capabilities.

This is a strategic leadership role, offering a unique opportunity to:

• define and implement ESA’s IOD/IOV vision and strategy;
• drive innovation across small satellites, CubeSats, microsats and constellation-relevant architectures;
• enable European industry to move faster, from laboratory to orbit and from demonstration to scale;
• empower highly motivated, multidisciplinary teams working at the cutting edge of space engineering.

The Division

• defines, implements and manages in-orbit technology demonstration and validation missions based on smallsats and CubeSats, in coordination with the ESA programmes, pushing the boundaries of associated technology developments;
• supports ESA programmes and the European Commission in the validation of commercial in-orbit services and technologies.

Reporting to the Head of the Systems Department, you will serve as ESA’s focal point for technology IOD/IOV strategy, fostering collaboration across all ESA directorates and programmes. You will develop state-of-the-art capabilities and techniques to efficiently implement small projects, based on smallsat or CubeSat platforms.

You will be responsible for the management of the Division, its resources and its activities, with a special focus on developing skills within the team. You will also be accountable within the Agency for the outcome of operational activities conducted within the Division’s technical domain.

Duties

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

Strategy and coordination

• anticipating trends, promoting innovative R&D activities, and integrating emerging technologies into demonstration missions in coordination with other engineering domains in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality;
• defining the Directorate’s IOD/IOV strategy in line with the programme directorates’ and European industry’s needs;
• supporting the coordination of technology demonstration missions across the various programmes at ESA, engaging with European industry, research institutions, international partners and ESA Member States;
• organising and leading the Agency’s cross-directorate IOD/IOV coordination group.

Project preparation and management

• promoting, and preparing for approval by ESA, technology demonstration missions in line with the IOD/IOV strategy, as well as required R&D activities;
• in coordination with ESA programmes, promoting and preparing missions for approval by Member States;
• organising and overseeing the implementation of projects by the Division, ensuring that projects and R&D activities managed by the Division are delivered within budget and on schedule.

Support to project implementation

• providing system engineering and system management support to small mission projects managed by other ESA directorates.

R&D/technology management

• in line with anticipated technology trends and project needs, supporting definition of high-level roadmaps and the work plans of the TRP and GSTP programmes in the domain of IOD/IOV;
• promoting and implementing the Division’s contributions to ESA technology programmes and R&D activities.

Expertise in small mission implementation

• contributing 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 Division’s role and activities;
• contributing to the (independent) technical assessment capability and supporting project reviews;
• representing the Agency in your area(s) of expertise within ESA and with external entities, such as industry and delegations;
• coordinating the dissemination of the Division’s results within and beyond ESA, in particular via conferences, workshops and R&D presentation days.

Technical competencies

• Experience in managing, monitoring and supporting satellite projects and activities
• Knowledge of space system engineering and its evolution
• Knowledge of the technical and programmatic requirements of ESA programmes and external entities
• Knowledge of ESA and industrial space project development processes
• Knowledge of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in aerospace engineering or an equivalent discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• proven experience in managing space projects in Phases C and D, up to and including flight;
• proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team in an international project setting;
• the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Division and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
• excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process.

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 and Disclaimer

• 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, 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.