Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
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.
This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisationsโ salary scale.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Aeolus-2 is an operational follow-on to the successful Aeolus Earth Explorer mission in collaboration with EUMETSAT for a series of two satellites. ESA is responsible for the definition and development of the space segment and, on behalf of EUMETSAT, procurement of the recurrent satellite. The primary payload for Aeolus-2 is a Doppler Wind Lidar designed to measure atmospheric winds through measurement of doppler shifts in the backscatter of emitted laser light from molecules and aerosols in the atmosphere. In addition, a Radio Occultation instrument will be embarked.
Aeolus-2 is currently in Phase A, with an instrument consolidation study, parallel system accommodation studies (Phase A/B1) and various technology pre-development activities under way. The Aeolus-2 programme for Phase B2/C/D/E1 was approved at the ESA Council meeting at ministerial level held in November 2022.
You will manage the Aeolus-2 system and operations aspects, covering both the development and recurrent satellites, and will report to the Aeolus-2 Project Manager within the Meteorological Programmes area, Earth Observation Projects Department, Earth Observation Directorate.
Duties
Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:
- defining, consolidating and maintaining the Aeolus-2 satellite system requirements, ensuring coherence with the EUMETSAT mission and operations requirements;
- coordinating with other Aeolus-2 teams, such as Payload, Engineering and AIT and PA, to ensure consistency of requirements, designs, testing and performances, including end-to-end instrument performance, with system-level needs;
- preparing tender documentation and supporting negotiations with industry;
- managing industrial activities for system and operations aspects, including onboard software and attitude and the orbit control system;
- assessing and reviewing the space segment architecture and design, including identification and analysis of options, trade-offs and design drivers, among other things;
- critical analysis and maintenance of all system and satellite budgets and performance levels and timely instigation of corrective actions where necessary;
- ensuring a rigorous approach to system and performance validation, including AOCS open-loop and closed-loop tests, and flight operations procedures and databases during satellite system validation testing;
- maintenance of requirements traceability and verification using DOORs;
- liaising with your EUMETSAT counterpart to ensure that its system and operations activities are efficiently and optimally aligned with those of ESA
- in cooperation with EUMETSAT, defining and maintaining the technical and operability interfaces between the space segment and the EUMETSAT ground segment and contributing to relevant requirements documents;
- defining and maintaining functional requirements for the satellite simulator and RF suitcases, among other things;
- performing critical reviews and analysis of all aspects relating to onboard software definition and validation to ensure that the required observability, operability and maintainability needs are met;
- monitoring and guiding the definition and development of the Aeolus-2 operations concept, covering both nominal and contingency requirements;
- ensuring the timely availability of all documentation and information, such as flight operations manuals, procedures, databases and support tools, as required to support the development of the EUMETSAT Aeolus-2 monitoring and control centre;
- managing the System and Operations 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.
In carrying out these tasks, you will coordinate closely with other Aeolus-2 Section Heads, support Directorates (e.g. Technical and Quality Management) and EUMETSAT to ensure a common understanding and coherent approach.
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting on the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Technical competencies Space system development and PA standardsKnowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processesExperience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviewsKnowledge of space projects, including instrumentation and operationsBackground in space engineering with systems orientation and end-to-end view of Earth Observation missionsExperience in satellite in-orbit commissioning and performance verification methodologiesDelivery of complex projects within cost and scheduleComplex project risk management processes
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducation
A master's degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Previous experience working on a multi-agency, cooperative programme is an advantage.
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.
You should also have:
- the potential to manage individuals or a team in a project environment;
- 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 teamโs 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.
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ
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.
The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.
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 email contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
In accordance with the European Space Agencyโs security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.
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 masterโs degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.