About this job

ESA is looking for a Space Rider Ground Segment Manager.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. For this purpose, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

Responsibilities

 
You will report to the Space Rider Programme Manager and be responsible for technical and programmatic implementation of the ground segment activities.
Your duties will include:

• managing ground segment end-to-end system definition, adaptation/development, qualification and operation, including payload-related interface specification in coordination with the Payload and Exploitation Manager;
• managing ground segment system engineering and synthesis aspects, including Mission Control Centres for in-orbit operations and re-entry, mission operations simulator, ground stations, telemetry kits, communication network, radar stations, landing site facilities, refurbishment facilities, and ZLV facilities;
• managing ground segment end-to-end system manufacturing, assembly, integration and verification, including integrated system testing;
• managing ground segment aspects concerning end-to-end system AIT assembly, integration and testing activities, in coordination with the System AIT Manager, Space Segment Manager and Payloads Manager;
• managing ground segment specific refurbishment, reusability, operability and maintainability aspects, including turn-around cycles and readiness for subsequent flights.

You will be an integral part of the team organisation, supported by the focal point functions in the Vega and Space Rider programmes team, including the expertise available in their technical areas of origin, complemented by the technical support functions provided by ESA (TEC and OPS), ASI and CNES as needed.

Profile

Technical competencies
Experience in the definition and implementation of complex space missions
Experience in the design, development, qualification, assembly, integration, testing of ground segment systems and components for launcher systems and/or orbital platforms and/or re-entry systems, and related technologies
Experience in the preparation, negotiation and execution of complex industrial contracts, including assessment of industrial deliverables (i.e. hardware, software, models, documentation, …) prior to formal review and acceptance processes
Experience in the preparation and execution of major ESA reviews for the development and qualification of ground segments
Education
A Master’s degree in engineering is required
Additional requirements
You should also have:

• excellent technical knowledge of operational ground systems;
• demonstrated project development experience;
• demonstrated negotiating skills;
• knowledge of the Agency’s procurement approval and implementation process;
• knowledge of the Agency’s project implementation process;
• excellent cognitive, analytical, planning and organisational skills;
• the ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of high standard and integrity;
• the ability to foster teamwork.

Previous experience in managing operational ground segment development, and in Space Rider activities including precursor elements, is an asset for the position.
For a complete job description and to apply, click on “apply”.
The closing date for applications is 16 April 2021.
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 at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
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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 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. (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.

We offer
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an equal opportunities employer that offers competitive salaries exempt from national income tax and excellent employment conditions, such as allowances for expatriates and relocation support. For more information: http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA

About us
We are the European Space Agency. Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over the Earth, develop and launch inspiring and unique space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are a family of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space. Learn more: http://www.esa.int/