Secure Connectivity Lead Space Segment Engineer in the Secure Connectivity Satellite Platform Section within the Secure Connectivity Department in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
The ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity, hereinafter referred to as “Secure Connectivity”, is intended to support the effective development and validation of the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure and the services provided by it, as well as the validation and demonstration of services based on the commercial infrastructure developed by the contractor(s) delivering the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure.

Reporting to the Head of the Secure Connectivity Satellite Platform Section, you will be responsible for tasks relating to the design, development and deployment of the satellite platform of the Secure Connectivity Space Segment.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

contributing to managing engineering activities for the design, development, qualification, acceptance and validation of satellites/platforms within the Secure Connectivity Space Segment, adhering to agreed schedule, cost and technical requirements, including applicable security measures;
supporting engineering, manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing (AIT/AIV) activities relating to the satellite platform, including organising satellite-/platform-level reviews;
consolidating and maintaining the requirements specification, design, development, testing and verification of satellite/platform subsystems and equipment;
monitoring industrial work for the procurement of satellite platform and ground support equipment, ensuring full compliance with technical and programmatic requirements;
monitoring and ensuring the execution of all relevant satellite platform-related industrial activities and ensuring that the design meets project requirements;
contributing to managing system satellite budgets within your areas of responsibility;
supporting the analysis of satellite-/platform-related requests for changes, waivers, and deviations, as well as non-conformances, anomalies and alerts, contributing to relevant analyses at the Space Segment and system level as required;
monitoring industrial launch preparations and coordinating in-flight spacecraft commissioning and verification activities in collaboration with project and ground teams as necessary;
supporting Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), commissioning, in-orbit test (IOT) campaigns and satellite operations for satellite-/platform-related aspects, as well as evolutive maintenance and the correction of in-orbit anomalies;
providing regular reports to project management, identifying technical risk areas and proposing and monitoring mitigation measures;
contributing to managing the schedule and proposing schedule risk mitigation actions;
supporting the Head of Section in coordinating specialised engineering support;
may have the delegation responsability from project management on programmatic aspects.

Technical competencies

Experience in the design, development and testing of communication satellites and platforms

Experience in managing and monitoring industrial work

Experience in multi-agency cooperative projects

Experience in risk management processes

Knowledge of ESA Space system development and PA standards

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

A master’s degree in engineering or physics.

Additional requirements

Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills.
Strong results 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.
Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications company and operator will be a distinct advantage.
Experience in public-private partnership projects would be an asset.
Public speaking experience and the ability to conceptualise complex ideas would be beneficial.
Experience working in projects with a security dimension would be beneficial.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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 information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the 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 are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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.

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