Lead Ground Systems Engineering Architect

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, as Lead Ground Systems Engineering Architect, you will be a member of the Department Management Team and will be jointly responsible for implementing the strategy of the Department and the related change process. You will be responsible for cross-cutting activities spanning across the Department’s domains of competence, representing the Department in ESA-wide and international forums, and vis-a-vis industrial partners.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• management of the Standardisation programme at Directorate level: this includes representation in the ESA Standardisation Boards, as well as international standardisation forums such as the Consultative Committee for Standardisation of Data Systems (CCSDS), where you will contribute to the representation of ESA's interests vis-à-vis partner agencies and industry;
• serving as technical officer for the Engineering domains of the industrial framework contracts. In this role you will act as the Department's interface to the suppliers and to the ESA contract organisation and will provide strategic supply chain management in line with business needs and ESA’s industrial policy. This includes departmental coordination of the definition and implementation of future service provision;
• chairing the Directorate-level Technology Steering Group (TSG), which includes the Directorate Competence Domain Leads (CDLs) and the Lead Operations Architect. In this role, for programmatic aspects, you will provide strategic prioritisation and planning at departmental level with regard to the Directorate of Operations role of technology provider for Ground Systems, and will act as the interface to the Technology Development programmes of the Agency and the ESA Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality;
• fostering and, where relevant, managing cross-cutting initiatives, in particular those aimed at fostering increased return on investment, as well as the successful adoption of investments across the Department's divisions and domains of competence;
• leading commercialisation efforts at departmental level in close coordination with the ESA Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness;
• representing the Department in the ESA Transformation, coordinating the Department-level establishment and follow-up of the matrix provisions;
• acting as the Department-level interface with the Directorate’s Strategy and Transformation Office for all matters relating to the Department's internal and external representation, as well as cross-domain Mission Operations Infrastructure Engineering aspects in the Mission Operations Infrastructure Stakeholders Group (ISG). For the latter, you will support the Head of Department in the consolidation of proposals and the prioritisation process in view of Operations Management Team decisions;
• providing Department-level management of resources, manpower and budget in close coordination with the Directorate’s Business Unit Controller;
• coordinating the Department's change management, strategic workforce evolution and competency management;
• any other Department-level tasks requiring support.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Demonstrated Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation competencies

Deep understanding of the Department’s customer base and service offering in a matrix context, including demonstrated experience with matrix provisions

Demonstrated track record in the international standardisation domain

Knowledge of new technologies and trends and their applicability to the Department's domains of responsibility

Exposure to commercialisation

Ability to manage change and transformation

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

A master's degree in engineering or computer science is required for this post.

An educational background and qualifications in management would be an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness 
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.

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 via email at [email protected] .

Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. 

Nationality and Languages 
Please note that applications can only be 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 *. 

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.  

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.