Head of the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department

European Space Agency - ESA; Worcester; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 18861

Date Posted: 12 August 2024

Application Deadline: 9 September 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications

Workplace: Harwell, GB

Grade Band: A6 - A6

Location
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Description
Reporting to the Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, you will be responsible for the management of service- and system-driven CSC programmes within the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications (D/CSC) (with the exception of the Secure Connectivity Programme), Strategic Programmes Lines (SPLs), the ARTES Core Competitiveness (CC) Programme Line, the ARTES “Future Preparation” Generic Programme Line, and the ARTES Partner Component A, “Preparatory Activities”, as well as market intelligence and business development.

You will lead the teams responsible for the Moonlight Programme, the Optical and Quantum Programme, the Safety and Security from Space Programme, the Civil Security from Space Programme, the 5G/6G NTN Programme, and the Technology and Products and Future Programmes.

The activities of the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department (CSC-S) are implemented under a matrix structure, with segregation of functions as follows:

• The Satellite Programmes Department (CSC-P) has delegated responsibility for the procurement of the related space segment activities and, where relevant, the associated ground control segment, in line with the specific programme roadmaps, development plans and requirements managed by CSC-S at programme and system level;
• The Satellite Programmes Department is responsible for the management of the satellite project-related space technologies and products under the ARTES Core Competitiveness (CC) Programme Line in line with roadmaps and work plans coordinated at Directorate level;
• The Business Control and Programme Management Support Office provides nominated support for programme and project control, CADM, the Product Assurance and Safety Office for programme/project PA&S functions, and the Security Office for security management functions.

You will be supported by ESA technical, functional and integrated support staff in accordance with the relevant service level agreements with other ESA directorates, and will establish the appropriate interfaces in relation to the required support with the Heads of Department of the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and the Directorate of Operations, as well as the Head of the ESA Security Office.

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• defining and managing service- and system-driven CSC programmes and projects for which ESA holds system-level design authority and/or requiring end-to-end multidomain programmatic and system-level coordination, such as Moonlight, Civil Security from Space, and Strategic Programme Lines, namely Optical and Quantum, Safety and Security and 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Satellite Networks;
• defining and maintaining programme and system-level roadmaps, end-to-end system engineering, security engineering, development plans, and supervision of the related system infrastructure and user equipment procurement, whereby the space segment procurement, including satellites and launch services and, where relevant, the related ground control segment, is fully delegated to CSC-P;
• defining, owning and maintaining the overall programmatic baseline (technical, cost and schedule) and system technical requirements baseline (functional, performance and operational), including operational requirements, security requirements and external interfaces, applicable to the procurement of the overall system infrastructure, namely the space and ground segments, and the associated security monitoring and operations, ensuring their overall consistency and traceability;
• ensuring integrated programmatic system-level schedule management, risk management, and configuration control with a view to producing and maintaining programme roadmaps, design, development and validation plans (DDVP), security risk analysis and accreditation files, to ensure delivery of the various system builds in order to meet programme objectives;
• defining and managing Strategic Programmes Lines (SPLs), throughout their life cycle of end-to-end programme implementation, which make use of ARTES 4.0 Generic Programme Lines implementing rules (Partnership Projects and Core Competitiveness) for their implementation, including procurement of the related system infrastructure and user equipment, system end-to-end integration, verification and demonstration trials, where the related space segment procurement and, where relevant, the associated ground control segment is delegated to CSC-P;
• managing the ARTES Core Competitiveness Programme Line, including the definition of technology roadmaps and work plans, in close coordination with CSC-P, and where the management of activities directly relating to satellite programmes is delegated to CSC-P;
• managing the ARTES Future Preparation Generic Programme, including the related elements of the required work plans for both industrial and internal activities;
• managing the ARTES Partner Component A “Preparatory Activities”, which aims to support the preparation of industry-initiated partner projects;
• initiating (Phases 0/A) new Connectivity and Secure Communications projects in partnership with private and/or public entities, including academic and research centres for upstream R&D of innovative and disruptive CSC system concepts and related technologies;
• the set-up and evolution of system tools, test beds, demonstration hubs and laboratory facilities in support of programmes, with the aim of performing ground validation of related system concepts and technologies, in close collaboration with research institutes at national level, prospective operators and business partners;
• market intelligence and business development;
• consultation with European operators and prime key accounts regarding their future service portfolios, product lines and future evolutions;
• leading standardisation, regulatory and spectrum engineering support activities for the Directorate, relying on technical support from other directorates as required;
• contributing to the Directorate's internal and external communication for programmes and projects under the responsibility of CSC-S.

Technical competencies
Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of and experience in satellite design, development, verification/testing, launch and in-orbit validation

Proven experience of managing space project development

Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects

Complex project risk management processes

Familiarity with procurement aspects

In-depth knowledge of the space industry, particularly in the domain of commercial and government satellite communications (users, operators and the supply chain)

Interaction with the European space industry and the European Commission at a high level, including contract negotiation

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

Education
A master’s degree in engineering, physics or a scientific field is required.

Additional requirements
You should, in addition, have:

• proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team of experts in a programme, multi-programme and R&D environment;
• the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Department and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
• a proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces;
• excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process.

People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

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

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 [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations.

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.

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.

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