AIT, Operations and Launcher Interface Manager

This role, based at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands), involves managing the Sterna satellites’ Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT), operations and launch service aspects, including launch campaigns, and reporting to the Sterna Project Manager within the Meteorological Programmes, Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The Sterna project is the operational follow-on to the successful Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) project, where a prototype satellite (PFM) for the subsequent Sterna constellation of satellites was developed and qualified using a NewSpace approach. The Sterna constellation will consist of a total of 20 satellites.

The EPS-Sterna programme is being carried out in collaboration with EUMETSAT, whereby ESA will procure, on behalf of EUMETSAT, the Sterna satellites based on the heritage and qualifications established through the AWS development and in-orbit experience. Sterna satellites will fly on three different orbital planes with a minimum of two satellites in each orbital plane.

The primary payload for Sterna is a multi-frequency total power microwave radiometer to provide atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles. As the Sterna satellites are based on AWS, Sterna will consist of Phases D/E only. The first six satellites are planned for launch in 2029, with subsequent in-orbit replenishment at approximately four- to five-year intervals to provide operational services until the mid-2040s.

Description

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Management of the AIT, Operations and Launcher Team, defining day-to-day tasks and objectives, setting annual performance objectives and assessing performance, including training needs, ensuring motivation and commitment to project goals
• Supporting the Sterna Project Manager in relation to risks, schedule management and mitigations
• Supporting the Systems and Engineering Section with respect to the Sterna satellites’ verification approach and to ensure compliance between the AIT approach and the verification approach
• Supporting the Product Assurance Section with materials, parts and process reviews to guarantee compatibility with Sterna PA requirements
• Supporting EUMETSAT in launch service selection and compliance with Sterna satellites
• Coordinating the launch campaigns for the Sterna satellites
• Ensuring availability of additional support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality as necessary
• Coordination with other Sterna teams, such as System and Engineering and Product Assurance, to ensure consistency of testing and performance, including end-to-end instrument performance, with system-level needs
• Coordination with EUMETSAT Sterna teams regarding flight operations procedures, satellite databases and launch services, providing support and planning to EUMETSAT in relation to system-level tests
• Closely monitoring the industrial production of the platforms and payloads, as well as the associated facilities capacity, taking into account the serial production necessary for the Sterna satellites
• Ensuring timely procurement of all equipment, GSE and facilities necessary for Sterna satellites
• Ensuring satellite testing and a delta qualification approach based on selected launch service requirements; this includes critical review of test plans, procedures, facilities and test reports
• Participating in Nonconformance Review Boards, Configuration Control Boards and Change Review Boards as appropriate and ensuring early recovery actions when necessary
• Ensuring that necessary deliveries are made to EUMETSAT and to launch service providers
• Maintaining the satellite-to-launcher interface document(s) in cooperation with EUMETSAT

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

In carrying out these tasks, you will coordinate closely with other Sterna Heads of Section, supporting directorates, such as the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, and EUMETSAT to ensure common understanding and a coherent approach.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of space system development and product assurance standards
• Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes
• Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
• Experience in satellite AIT campaigns
• Experience in launch campaigns
• Background in space engineering with experience in one or more specialised field (e.g. electrical, mechanical, thermal, RF engineering, etc.)
• Delivery of complex projects within cost and schedule
• Complex project risk management 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.

Additional requirements

Previous experience working on a multi-agency, cooperative programme is an advantage. You should also have proven experience in the later phases of satellite project development, including integration, testing and in-orbit commissioning (Phases C/D/E).

You should also have:

• The potential to manage individuals or a team
• The ability to organise individual and team 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
• 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.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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.