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
The Sentinel-3 (S3) and Sentinel-3 Next Generation Optical (S3 NGO) missions are implemented under the Copernicus Programme. The Sentinel-3 mission comprises four satellites, of which the first and second units were launched in 2016 and 2017 respectively, while the third and fourth units, currently in storage, are to be launched in the second half of the decade.
As part of the global effort to develop next generation missions beyond those already operational, Sentinel-3 Next Generation Optical mission aims at replacing the Sentinel-3 C&D satellites optical component, providing continuity beyond 2030 and introducing several enhancements. The project will start its Phase A/B1 in the course of 2023.
Working in the Copernicus S3/S3 NGO Project Division, Copernicus Space Segment Programme, Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes and reporting to the S3/S3 NGO Project Manager, the System and Operations Manager will be responsible for the overall Space Segment requirements related to the mission, analysis and implementation of the S3/S3 NGO systems (as appropriate), as well as for the preparation for the operations during all phases up to and including in-orbit commissioning and support to the routine operational elements. This includes development and validation activities related to software interfacing to the operations segments.
The holder of this post will report to the S3/S3 NGO Project Manager for all technical, programmatic matters.
Duties
The principal tasks and responsibilities will include:
- definition of the S3NGO system requirements in coordination with ESRIN and EUMETSAT and follow-up of the implementation and monitoring of the associated space-ground system architecture implementation, including internal and external interfaces;
- consolidation of the S3NGO system definition, including space segment interfaces architecture, Level 1 data processing, flight operations segment for commissioning and the end-to-end simulator, as well as the associated mission analysis, ensuring compliance with system and space segment system requirements (SRD and SSRD), operations interface requirements (OIRD) and space debris mitigation requirements;
- liaising, together with the S3/S3NGO Project Team Payload Manager, with the Mission Science Division for the maintenance and evolution of high-level mission requirements;
- monitoring and organising, in collaboration with EUMETSAT, all system reviews and providing support to S3/S3NGO project reviews accordingly;
- monitoring of the timely implementation completion of the S3NGO space-to-ground interfaces, covering both TT&C and instrument data downlink activities, and liaising with ESOC and ESRIN on the mission-specific services (flight operation segment and ground segment);
- monitoring the S3/S3NGO system-related industrial work, such as the end-to-end simulator and operations, to ensure that the performance of all satellite functional chains is suitable for the mission;
- coordination of the definition and implementation of the S3/S3NGO mission operations concept, taking into account the extension/deployment of a multi-satellite constellation mission;
- establishment/execution of coherent S3/S3NGO satellite system validation test (SSVT) programmes for the purpose of combined satellite/ground segment operations verification, coordinating the implementation;
Duties (continued)
- monitoring of the development and verification of the S3NGO end-to-end system simulator and of the Level 1 data prototype processorsโ implementation in close cooperation with the S3 NGO Project Payload Section, ESRIN and EUMETSAT as required;
- establishment, in cooperation with the S3/S3NGO FOS, ESRIN and EUMETSAT teams, of the launch and early orbit phase (LEOP) and the preparation of the in-flight satellite commissioning plan;
- organising and leading the S3/S3NGO commissioning phases involving all relevant parties, such as EUMETSAT, CNES, ESOC, ESRIN and industry, including satellite handover to EUMETSAT at the end of each successful IOCR;
- supporting the S3/S3NGO project spacecraft and AIV Section to ensure commonality between AIT and operations procedures and databases and to ensure that the onboard software development and validation is in line with operations requirements;
- liaising with the post-launch support group organising the resolution of S3 in-orbit anomalies involving appropriate expert support and ensuring that any lessons learned are fed back into S3NGO;
- maintaining effective collaboration with the CO2M team (knowledge transfer between projects) and a good relationship with EUMETSAT and industry counterparts;
- liaising closely with other project sections to ensure a consistent approach to satellite procurement, verification, launch and in-orbit operations preparation;
- regular reporting to the Project Manager on all aspects of the system, operations and ground segment development, identifying risks and problem areas and proposing mitigation actions where appropriate;
- supporting the general project reporting tasks (monthly, QSR/QIR, Mission Advisory Group) and other Department-level support activities as required.
Technical competencies Experience in mission, spacecraft and/or payload operations in multi-institutional environmentExperience in satellite in-orbit commissioning and performance verification methodologiesExperience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviewsExperience with definition and review of payload and spacecraft calibration programsKnowledge and experience of ground segment, simulators and early operations Knowledge of all phases of the software development lifecycleCapability to evaluate performance at mission levelKnowledge of satellite systems and ground segment architecture
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducation
A Master's degree in in a relevant scientific/engineering discipline for this post is required.
Additional requirements
In addition, you should have:
- the ability to organise team activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
- strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
- the ability to drive the teamโs performance, developing 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.
Previous people management experience is an asset for the position, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to the activities of ESA.
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.
Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.