Ground Segment Manager

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 Organisations’ salary scale .

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy  

Earth Observation Ground Segment Manager in the ESA and Third Party Missions Ground Segment Section (TPM), ESA Ground Segment and Data Management Division, Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The ESA and TPM Ground Segment implements all the functions required for scientific data acquisition, data processing, data preservation and provision of access to users through mission-specific elements (e.g. scientific payload activities planning, scientific data downlink planning, data processing) and cross-mission elements (e.g. data dissemination, data archiving). The ESA and TPM Ground Segment relies on the availability of a cloud-based infrastructure to optimise processing scalability and performance, as well as innovative approaches, for data access.

In the framework of the implementation of an Earth Observation mission, if selected for this position, you will be responsible for the early definition of the Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) in Phase 0, A and B1, its implementation during Phases B2, C and D, its transfer into operations, commissioning, and routine operations during Phases E2 and F.

You will report to the Head of the ESA and TPM Ground Segment Section and will be responsible for the Payload Data Ground Segment of one or more EO missions. Your duties will vary depending on the implementation phase of the mission(s) as follows:

• In Phase A you will support the ESA EO mission evaluation through the definition of the PDGS operations concept and the PDGS implementation strategy, with evaluation of its related costs.
• In Phases B, C, D and E1 you will be responsible for the implementation of the EO ESA and Third Party Missions Payload Data Ground Segments entrusted to you in accordance with the applicable policies, mission objectives, reference operational model and technology evolutions.

Principal tasks and responsibilities in these phases include:

• definition, in agreement with the relevant project authority, of the PDGS implementation plan;
• definition of the PDGS technical and operational requirements baseline;
• managing and implementing the design, development, integration and validation of the PDGS in line with the agreed PDGS implementation plan.

In Phases E2 and F, you will be in charge of the end-to-end management of the PDGS operations, ensuring PDGS services performance and continuity, in accordance with the objectives and requirements of the mission(s) under your responsibility.

In all phases your responsibilities will include:

• ensuring end-to-end coordination of all parties involved in PDGS implementation and operations with the objective of ensuring an optimised integration of mission-specific elements with mission-generic services;
• ensuring end-to-end management of the procurement of PDGS mission-specific elements, interfacing with relevant entities within and outside ESA; 
• generating and maintaining the necessary management, technical and operational documentation for PDGS implementation and operations;
• actively contributing to the definition and deployment of innovative technological and operational concepts in line with the ESA Earth Observation Ground Segment strategy;
• reporting on a regular basis on the Ground Segment development and/or operations status of the missions under your responsibility;
• assisting the Head of the ESA and Third Party Missions Ground Segment Section with other tasks (e.g. audits) as required.

The above responsibilities and the precise scope of your mission responsibility will be reviewed and detailed through the annual objective-setting and assessment exercise.

Knowledge of Payload Data Ground Segments for Earth Observation missions

Experience in technical management

Experience in operations management

Knowledge of procurement processes

Experience in project management

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

A master's degree in a relevant engineering subject is required for this post.

You should also:

• have the ability to work effectively in an international and interdisciplinary team
• have a high level of motivation and dedication
• have an overall system view and the capacity to propose solutions within a broader, strategic perspective
• demonstrate knowledge of ICT security and data protection principles applied to operational services
• demonstrate flexibility in dealing with an evolving EO landscape and its technical and operational challenges

Knowledge of innovative technologies and operational approaches for scientific payload data processing is considered an asset.

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 [email protected] .

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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 or balanced Member States*.  (https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/NationalityTargets.pdf )

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s 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.