Head of Ariane 6 Future Missions

Vacancy in the Directorate of Space Transportation.

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
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France  

Head of Ariane 6 Future Missions (STS-AXX), Ariane 6 Launch System and Engineering Division (STS-AX), Ariane Programme (STS-A), Directorate of Space Transportation (D-STS).

The section you will lead carries out launch system tasks in support of the development of Ariane 6, including complementary developments. Moreover, your section supports foresight on space transportation systems as necessary to serve the implementation of launch services. Finally, it supports mission analysis and design.

You will work in close coordination with the Ariane 6 Chief Engineer, and you will be supported by the oversight and embedded teams, project control services, product assurance and safety, and programme management, while also receiving technical support from CNES, the DLR and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC).

Your tasks and responsibilities will include: 

• leading the Ariane 6 Future Missions (STS-AXX) section whose tasks consist in:
  • deriving mission specifications from the high level requirements (HLR), the mission requirements document and the launcher to payload interface specifications;
  • defining and executing the verification and validation process that achieves and maintains compliance with the HLR, including the implementation of launch system reviews;
  • deriving from the analysis of user needs the requirements for the evolution of the Ariane 6 mission requirements under the fairing equipped structures and versatility enhancement solutions (such as MLS, ASTRIS kick-stage and orbital transfer vehicles);
  • developing and validating new mission concepts up to flight experiences and proof-of-concept flights, notably the Multi-Launch Service Prof-of-Concept Flight;
  • analysing versatility enhancement solutions and their compatibility with Ariane 6;
  • setting up and managing an efficient technical office in support of the Central Launch Service Procurement Office, including the definition and implementation of a suitable process and tool chain for mission definition and analysis;
  • conducting a constant survey of off-the-shelf products with the potential to satisfy mission requirements while reducing non-recurring and recurring costs;
  • providing the Directorate with strong expertise on missions and space transportation vehicles other than launchers;
  • steering the procurement of the development and adaptations of upper part equipped structures and versatility enhancement solutions;
  • attending launch campaign reviews (preliminary and final mission analysis review, combined operations phase readiness key point, launch readiness review, flight readiness review, launch range preparation and readiness reviews, flight exploitation key points);
• providing the division head with an up-to-date overview of emerging mission concepts and solutions available on the market in coordination with the STS-S team;
• defining the D/TEC, CNES and industry technical assistance activities necessary for achieving the section’s tasks;
• ensuring the consistency of work-plans with STS QMS standards, and more generally with quality standards and procedures as applicable;
• ensuring synergy and consistency in the activities under your supervision with respect to the activities managed by STS-AA, while ensuring the best possible use of the launcher system competencies secured by STS-AA.
• conducting negotiations and managing the industrial contracts related to procurements under your responsibility;
• providing the Head of STS-AX with inputs for Programme Board and AC/IPC papers as necessary;
• supervising the organisation and execution of the planned Ariane 6 Launch System Category 1 reviews;
• adopting lean and visual management tools and processes to facilitate the efficient identification of project statuses, while proposing proficiency tools to the Ariane 6 Launch System Engineering Manager.

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

Knowledge of project management techniques

Knowledge of cost and schedule aspects related to area of responsibility

Knowledge of ESA's development, verification and procurement processes

Background in the design, development, assembly, integration, testing and acceptance of systems for space transportation applications

Knowledge of other technical domains with interfaces to own area of responsibility

Knowledge of Space system development and PA standards

Knowledge of project risk management

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

A Master's degree in space engineering is required for this post.

Applicants for this post should have 15+ years of experience in the development of complex systems and excellent knowledge of space transportation systems. Previous involvement in launcher developments such as Ariane 5 and Vega would be an asset. You must show excellent knowledge of project management and procurement, demonstrate mastery of design-to-cost practice, and display organisational skills as well as an aptitude for team management. You must be self-motivated and disciplined, have integrity and possess good communication skills.

You should also have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team; 
• 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 team’s 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 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 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.

Applicants must be eligible for security clearance by their national security administrations.

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 Member States *.  

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. 

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 master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level. 

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.