Vacancy in the Directorate of Operations.
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
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Description
Head of the Ground Segment Multi-Mission Preparation Systems Section in the System and Applications Engineering Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.
Under the direct authority of the Head of the System and Applications Engineering Division, you will be responsible for the definition, implementation, acceptance and maintenance of mission preparation data systems.
This includes, but is not limited to:
mission data systems (e.g. mission planning systems, operational simulators);
infrastructure data systems (e.g. SIMULUS, Generic Applications and SoftwareDevelopment Environment);
multi-mission data systems and services provided to missions (e.g. MMaaS);
custom developments and application-specific data systems (e.g. operational simulators);
innovation and standardisation.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- definition of the preparation systems requirements, in cooperation with the stakeholders;
- design of multi-mission systems evolution;
- definition and monitoring of the related industrial procurement contracts and service contracts;
- acceptance of deliveries;
- collection and, wherever meaningful, implementation of lessons learned;
- management of maintenance services related to the systems;
- application of appropriate configuration management to the deployed systems;
- management and support to the definition of the Divisionโs/Departmentโs policies related to development, user support, maintenance as well as systems and applications quality activities;
- promoting the activities inside the area of responsibility of the Section both inside and outside the Agency;
- establishing an automated deployment framework, in cooperation with the Directorateโs operational IT;
- undertake studies, technology development activities, experimentation in laboratory, pre-development and in-orbit demonstration on related fields to bring innovation in multi-mission platforms for the benefit of missions/projects;
- supporting standardisation activities;
- defining and evolution of the baselines for the various information technology platforms that are used for mission systems;
- contributing to the Division's Advanced Ground Software Application Laboratory;
- promoting the adoption of innovative concepts, technologies and standards, including support to operational adoption of any developments conducted within the Division by the missions under the Section's responsibility;
- managing, motivating, and developing the staff in order to promote a friendly and cooperative spirit within and outside the Section;
- planning, monitoring and controlling manpower/resources in the Section including assistance to the Head of Division for distribution of resources within the Division related to mission support as well as establishing cost-at-completion estimates for mission activities;
- sharing staff expertise and allocation for specific projects within the Division.
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Technical competencies In-depth knowledge of modern engineering and architecture development standardsExperience with developing operational simulatorsExperience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementationExperience in development and maintenance of ground infrastructure and/or software systems
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducation
A Master's degree is required for this post.
Additional requirements
You should also have:
- the potential to manage individuals or a team of 5-7 experts;
- the ability to organise their 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;
- a strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
- strong results 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;
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.
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.
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.