VN 25/51 Network Architecture Team Leader

Within the dynamic international environment of EUMETSAT, the Network Architecture Team Leader is responsible for the evolution, development and deployment of network infrastructure, services and solutions for current and emerging communication needs.

EUMETSAT is entering an exciting period with multiple satellite launches planned for the next few years, and has embarked on an ambitious technology refresh program.

The successful candidate will be actively engaged in development and implementation of the forward roadmap, which includes a state-of the-art operational network, private and public cloud elasticity, and Big Data services.

The Network Architecture Team Leader will work in the Technical and Scientific Support (TSS) department of the EUMETSAT matrix organisation, in the growing Network and Communication Services team.

Duties

The main duties will be as follows:

• Manage a multidisciplinary Network Architecture team and its activities, including management of resources and priorities;
• Create and maintain a rolling roadmap for the innovation, enhancement and evolution of the EUMETSAT consolidated communication network;
• Design and develop scalable and sustainable network concepts, architectures and infrastructure for the implementation of the agreed roadmap;
• Derive and create network requirements from specific business needs of internal customers, in particular those responsible for the development of ground segments for future satellite systems;
  • Specify and support the deployment and testing of network customer solutions, to be integrated into the consolidated EUMETSAT network;
  • Design and specify a suite of commercial tools for network management and analysis, to meet the common use cases associated with monitoring and maintaining high availability networks;
  • Interact with suppliers of network products and service providers;
  • Lead industry support and service providers in order to achieve the above points;
  • Support procurements and management of service contracts.

    LOCATION Darmstadt, Germany

    QUALIFICATIONS

    A university degree in a relevant scientific/engineering discipline (e.g. telecommunications, network systems, etc.) or equivalent.

    LANGUAGES Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and have some knowledge of French.

    DEADLINE

    15 September 2025

    Duties

    The main duties will be as follows:

    • Manage a multidisciplinary Network Architecture team and its activities, including management of resources and priorities;
    • Create and maintain a rolling roadmap for the innovation, enhancement and evolution of the EUMETSAT consolidated communication network;
    • Design and develop scalable and sustainable network concepts, architectures and infrastructure for the implementation of the agreed roadmap;
    • Derive and create network requirements from specific business needs of internal customers, in particular those responsible for the development of ground segments for future satellite systems;
      • Specify and support the deployment and testing of network customer solutions, to be integrated into the consolidated EUMETSAT network;
      • Design and specify a suite of commercial tools for network management and analysis, to meet the common use cases associated with monitoring and maintaining high availability networks;
      • Interact with suppliers of network products and service providers;
      • Lead industry support and service providers in order to achieve the above points;
      • Support procurements and management of service contracts.

        Skills and Experience

        • Extensive professional experience working in a senior role in network design and implementation;
        • Track record of designing, developing and deploying network architectures and services according to recognised standards, including a strong understanding of security compliance requirements;
        • Proven experience of LAN and WAN architectures in an high-availability, 24/7 operational environment;
        • In-depth and demonstrable knowledge of industry standard networking protocols and architectures;
        • In-depth and demonstrable knowledge of Cisco technology, services and solutions. Knowledge of ACI would be an advantage;
        • Experience of gathering/defining customer requirements, monitoring and ensuring their implementation and delivery;
        • Experience of collaborating with industry, undertaking procurements and management of service contracts;
        • Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex technical information to management and customers in a comprehensible manner;
        • Proven team-leadership and strong interpersonal skills, with a demonstrable customer focus and experience working in a service driven environment;
        • Ability to resolve engineering problems and make justifiable decisions when necessary to push projects to completion;
        • Track record of successfully leading projects from inception to completion following recognised project management frameworks.

          Employment Conditions

          The initial contract will be of 4 years’ duration, with subsequent 5 year contracts being awarded thereafter, subject to individual performance and organisation requirements. There is no limit to the amount of follow-up contracts a staff member can receive up to the EUMETSAT retirement age of 63 and there are certainly opportunities to establish a long career perspective at EUMETSAT.
          This post is graded A2/A4 on the EUMETSAT salary scales. The minimum basic salary for this post is EURO 7340 per month (net of internal tax but excluding pension contribution and insurances) which may be negotiable on the basis of skills and experience. The salary scale provides for increments on the anniversary of taking up employment, and scales are reviewed by the EUMETSAT Council with effect from 1 January each year. In addition to basic salary, EUMETSAT offers attractive benefits. Further information, including salary details, is available on the EUMETSAT web site.
          
          EUMETSAT is committed to providing an equal opportunities work environment for men and women.
          Please note that only nationals of EUMETSAT Member States may apply. The EUMETSAT Convention requires that Staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, account being taken of the international character of EUMETSAT.

          About EUMETSAT EUMETSAT is Europe’s meteorological satellite agency. Its role is to establish and operate meteorological satellites to monitor the weather and climate from space - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This information is supplied to the National Meteorological Services of the organisation's Member States in Europe, as well as other users worldwide.
          
          EUMETSAT also operates several Copernicus missions on behalf of the European Union and provide data services to the Copernicus marine and atmospheric services and their users.
          
          As an intergovernmental European Organisation, EUMETSAT has 30 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.)