Vacancy in the Directorate of Science.
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
ESAC, Villanueva de la Caรฑada, Spain
Description
The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to 'Empower Europe to lead space science'.
The Science and Operations Department (SCI-S) within ESA's Directorate of Science hosts the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations. It develops the science operation systems for the missions and operates the missions in space, as well as archiving and curating their data during operations and beyond. Its main objective is to maximise the scientific output of the missions for the benefit of humankind.
You will be assigned as Science Operations Development Manager, initially for the Ariel mission, and lead a team of experts to develop its Science Operations Centre. You will report to the Head of the Science Operations Development Division (SCI-SD), where you will work in a collaborative environment alongside teams developing science operations systems for all ESA science missions.
The Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey (Ariel) mission is scheduled for launch in 2029 and will measure the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of transiting exoplanets.
Duties
You will be responsible for the definition, design and implementation of the Ariel Science Operations Centre, ESAโs contribution to the Ariel Science Ground Segment, with the goal of maximising the scientific return of the mission.
The Science Operations Centre, based at ESAC (Madrid, Spain), is responsible for the science planning, data processing and archiving activities. The Mission Operations Centre, based at ESOC (Darmstadt, Germany), is responsible for all spacecraft operations.
You will work in close collaboration with the Ariel Project Scientist, the Ariel Project team at ESTEC, the Mission Operations Centre at ESOC and the ARIEL consortium delivering components of the Science Ground Segment.
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- leading the design, implementation and testing of the ESA-funded elements of the science operations system for the Ariel mission;
- managing the Ariel Science Operations team based at ESAC;
- maximising the scientific return from the mission in line with the Project Scientist's established requirements;
- participating in reviews for other projects within the Directorate of Science as appropriate, and contributing to managerial activities across the Department.
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Technical competencies Experience in project managementExperience in coordinating internal/external stakeholders on scientific projectsExperience in space mission operations
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducation
A master's degree in space sciences or engineering is required for this post.
Additional requirements
You should also have:
- the potential to manage individuals or a team of experts in a relevant field;
- 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;
- strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
- 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 would be an asset, as would 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.