Head of the Space Segment Section

Vacancy in the Directorate of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications.

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
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom  

Head of the Space Segment Section in the Technology and Products Division, Telecommunications Technologies, Products and Systems Department, Directorate of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications.

If selected for this position, you will report to the Head of the Technology and Products Division, you will be responsible for managing activities devoted to the development of telecommunication space segment technology and products. Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
•    initiating, implementing and managing, in collaboration with the Procurement and other relevant ESA departments, activities devoted to the development of satellite payload and platform technology and products for the satellite communication market which are funded under the ARTES Core Competitiveness and Strategic Programme Line Programmes;
•    reporting regularly on the progress, status, schedule and outcome of managed activities;
•    managing the Section including the preparation of manpower plans and resource requirements;
•    managing the support provided to other ARTES programme elements as requested by the Head of Division, including support for the creation and implementation of ARTES projects;
•    managing support for industry in identifying and defining technology needs for future satellite communication space segment products and their roadmaps;
•    coordinating the required expert technical support provided by other ESA organisational units (such as the Directorate of Operations or the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality);
•    supporting the establishment and control of relevant ESA programmatic requirements, specifications and general documentation;
•    supporting the preparation of the yearly ARTES Advanced Technology and Strategic Programme Lines-  work plans;
•    establishing close collaboration with other functional elements of the Department and Directorate as necessary;
•    supporting the provision of regular technical, programmatic and financial reporting to ESA management and national delegations;
•    supporting the promotion of the ARTES CC programme and the ARTES socio economic impact analysis;
•    supporting the development and maintenance of dashboards for the monitoring and control of internal resources.

Experience in managing and monitoring technology and product development activities carried out by industry for satellite communication applications

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Knowledge of the satcom market and associated technology trends

Background in the technical domains covered by the position

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

A master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required.

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 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;
•   experience in technology innovation.

Direct experience of working with satellite telecommunications organisations and European industry as well as an in-depth understanding of operating within a programmatic framework would be distinct advantages.

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.     

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] .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 *.  

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.