Project Manager

Vacancy in the Directorate of Science.

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
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

Description

ARRAKIHS is a “Fast” (F-class) mission in ESA’s Science Programme. It was selected by the SPC in November 2022 and is aiming at a fast development schedule (four to five years from mission adoption to launch). ARRAKIHS aims to perform observational tests of the ΛCDM model, obtaining deep multi-band exposures of ultra-low surface brightness galaxies, thus enabling detailed and systematic studies of extended galaxy haloes.

Reporting to the Head of the Future Missions Department, you will be in charge of the mission phase A/B and, subject to the mission adoption by the SPC, of the phases C/D/E1, until the completion of the spacecraft in-orbit commissioning.

Duties

You will be responsible for the definition, manufacturing and launch of the spacecraft, including the follow-up of the ARRAKIHS instrument and the preparation of the spacecraft operations (MOC and SOC) with the support of ESOC and ESAC. You will be managing the interface between the project and the industrial and scientific community at large. 

Your core task will be to lead the spacecraft development activities to ensure in-orbit performance within the schedule and budget targets. You will manage all spacecraft-related activities under ESA’s responsibility, with the support of your project team. These include: 

• the spacecraft competitive definition phase A/B, nominally involving two industrial prime candidates, by following a design-to-cost approach, while preserving the mission’s core scientific objectives; this phase ends with the mission adoption by the SPC and the selection of the industrial prime contractor;
• the spacecraft procurement, launch and in-orbit commissioning (phases C/D/E1), which will conclude with the start of the nominal in-orbit operations;
• monitoring all aspects of the delivery of the science instrument by the national teams, including pre-developments in the phase A/B for securing the schedule, technical interfaces and engineering tasks;
• procuring the instrument elements under ESA’s responsibility;
• ensuring a smooth interface with the national agencies funding the payload;
• procuring the launch services;
• managing the ESA project team, including the project team in SCI-F and support provided by D/TEC and D/OPS;
• interfacing with the Project Scientist and SOC manager in SCI-S, and the MOC manager in D/OPS;
• managing the project’s budget, with the support of the SCI-M Project Controller;
• preparing inputs and reports for delegate bodies, such as the SPC and IPC.

As not all mission elements are under ESA’s direct responsibility, a proactive approach is required to anticipate potential problems occurring in the partnership and propose mitigating actions for safeguarding the mission’s general objectives. This includes complying with the schedule and project costs. Regular and ad hoc reporting to SCI-F is also required to ensure that the most appropriate solutions are chosen when critical decisions need to be made.

Managerial responsibilities include:

• defining and communicating a clear strategy for team objectives in line with overall project priorities;
• promoting an effective work environment by encouraging cooperation and collaboration within the team and with the various project interfaces;
• supporting team members with professional improvement and development.

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

Technical competencies

Project management experience for a spacecraft development involving collaboration with Member States

Knowledge of ESA development, verification and procurement processes

Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects

Understanding of space science instrumentation and related constraints

Knowledge of space system development and Product Assurance standards

Complex project risk management processes

Negotiation skills

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A PhD or master’s in engineering or applied physics is required.

Additional requirements

You must have the ability to:

• drive performance and foster cooperation within the team and across interfaces;
• anticipate, analyse and solve complex problems;
• reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions that are of a high standard;
• demonstrate integrity;
• build positive relationships with both the scientific communities and industrial partners involved.

You must also have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team of experts;
• proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team of experts;
• the ability to delegate where appropriate;
• excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
• a structured and effective approach to planning and organisation, both for your own responsibilities and those of the team.

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 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.