Description

EuroQCI Development Manager in the Optical and Quantum Programme Office in the System Strategic Programme Line and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

ESA has been entrusted by the European Commission with designing the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), which is part of an EU initiative to provide Europe-wide quantum communication services. The EuroQCI Development Manager will be instrumental in steering ESA's role as EuroQCI Design Authority. You will lead the team for the implementation of the EuroQCI entrusted tasks covered by the IRIS² Contribution Agreement, ensuring compliance with the declared objectives/performances, schedule and budget. You will act as the main contact point for the Commission representatives.

Duties

Reporting hierarchically to the Head of the Optical and Quantum Programme Office, you will lead a team of engineers. Your main tasks will include:

• managing the implementation of the EuroQCI entrusted tasks, ensuring compliance with the required performance, budget and schedule.
• managing the EuroQCI mission engineering requirements (including security).
• managing the design of the EuroQCI system architecture and its requirements baseline (including security).
• managing the preparation, update and implementation of the work plan for the entrusted tasks, including support for the required approval cycle with the Commission and ESA staff.
• leading the preparation of any reporting, such as the Quarterly Report to the Commission.
• managing the preparation and execution of EuroQCI-related procurements.
• managing the development and validation of the EuroQCI system and all related lower levels up to completion of the EuroQCI preliminary service validation and the subsequent hand-over to the Commission.
• managing all security related activities, including security engineering, preparedness for accreditation, etc.
• managing the evaluation of the acceptability at EuroQCI system level of any changes to the programmatic and technical baseline by managing major technical reviews and management/milestone meetings and preparing the decision-making process.
• managing additional entrusted tasks as requested by the Commission.
• closely coordinating with the SAGA project and ensuring information flow-down on EuroQCI requirement/system architecture changes.
• leading related change management processes.
• liaising with the Eagle-1 project on EuroQCI-related matters.
• proactively managing all project risks and ensuring that lessons learned are properly applied.
• providing regular technical, programmatic and financial reporting as necessary to all stakeholders (e.g. European Commission, SAGA Project Manager, national security agencies and ESA management) on all relevant matters.
• acting as the main contact point for the Commission regarding the EuroQCI entrusted tasks.
• managing all industrial interfaces related to the EuroQCI entrusted tasks.
• managing the EuroQCI budget and cost plan.
• ensuring achievement of the commitment and accrual targets that are to be agreed.
• leading and motivating the EuroQCI implementation team.
• coordinating the technical support needed in the areas of expertise of other ESA organisational units, as required, to ensure effective initiation and management of the activities.

As EuroQCI Development Manager, you will be supported by engineers in the dedicated technical pre-developments/developments and the systems engineering tasks, as well as by other technical experts, as required. You will liaise closely and proactively, as required, with colleagues from the Technologies, Products and Systems Department and the Satellite Programmes Department.

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

Technical competencies

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 a relevant scientific discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Knowledge of quantum physics would be an asset.
• Engineering experience in complex space programmes (preferably in telecommunications) up to launch and in-orbit testing is desirable.
• You should have experience of working in a cross-functional team and of promoting innovation through a creative collaboration process.
• Direct experience of working with the European Commission would be a distinct advantage.
• The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts.
• The ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills.
• The ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback.
• 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.

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