Payload Lead

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a Programme Directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Using a partnership between humans and robots, D/HRE is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The Lunar Resources and Infrastructure Team develops systems and scientific instruments for lunar exploration and, in the longer term, will develop larger infrastructure for a sustainable presence on the Moon, such as infrastructure that will enable in situ resource utilisation.

The team is currently working on a portfolio of small and medium-sized lunar payloads at various development stages, covering diverse topics of science and technology, as well as involving different partners and programmatic frameworks (such as for cooperation on and procurement of lunar services). Moreover, the team will also implement small-class lunar missions.

One of our high-profile payload activities regards ESA’s provision to NASA of systems and instruments for the crewed Artemis surface campaigns: a power/communications hub deployed on the surface to serve scientific instruments, as well as various facilities and scientific instruments for environment characterisation, biological experiments, etc. You will be responsible for the feasibility studies and follow-up definition, assembly, verification and operations of ESA Artemis payloads, including interfacing with NASA.

Reporting to the Lead of the Lunar Resources and Infrastructure Team, you will have the following main responsibilities:

Management and interface with partners: 

• Set up and conduct the procurement of industrial contracts for the feasibility, development and operations of Artemis payloads.
• Manage and execute the industrial contracts, delivering the flight and ground segments within the agreed schedule and budget.
• Manage risks at ESA level, including implementing risk mitigation measures and deciding on the acceptable level of risk when an issue arises.
• Ensure consistency and timely availability of Customer Furnished Items if any (e.g. elements from payload instrument providers, national agencies and/or NASA). 
• Negotiate with NASA the framework of the cooperation and the technical agreements. 
• Interface with NASA throughout the project, directing all tasks pertaining to the cooperation with NASA.

Technical execution:

• While guaranteeing ESA’s exploration objectives and interests, mature and control the requirements and interfaces of Artemis payloads together with European and US partners.
• Ensure that the payload design, development, assembly, verification and operations meet requirements.
• Support the integration and testing of the Artemis payloads onboard the lander.
• Support the planning and execution of operations.

Coordination and knowledge sharing:

• Identify the points requiring attention and report regularly to management.
• Coordinate the support of ESA engineers and technical experts. 
• Work with the Payload Scientist in every phase of the project.
• Liaise with the HRE ExPeRT preparatory programme.
• Support the prioritisation, definition and planning of the team’s future activities.
• Provide inputs and guidance for other activities in the Directorate.

As the lunar exploration landscape is changing fast, your responsibilities may evolve.

Experience in project management

Negotiation skills

Technical knowledge in one/several areas relevant to lunar exploration, and payloads in particular

Experience in the definition and development of complex space systems, including product assurance standards and assembly, integration and verification

System engineering and multidisciplinary curiosity

Familiarity with ESA and industrial procurement processes

Ability to bridge science and engineering through effective collaboration with scientific teams

Ability to relate project objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context

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

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

Experience in the design, development, qualification, assembly, integration and testing of space systems up to launch and operations is desirable.

The following would be an asset:

• Experience with safety and human factors requirements specific to human spaceflight
• Experience with international technical cooperation and partnerships

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
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.

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations. 

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.