Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Project Manager for the Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-1 Next Generation Projects in the Copernicus Space Segment Programme of the Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The Sentinel-1 mission comprises four satellites, of which the first and second spacecraft were launched in 2014 and 2016 respectively, while the third and fourth units, currently in storage, are expected to be launched in Q4 2024 and in 2025 respectively.

As part of the global effort to develop next-generation missions beyond those already operational, the Sentinel-1 Next Generation mission is aimed at replacing the Sentinel-2 C&D satellites, providing continuity beyond 2030 and introducing several enhancements. The project has completed its Phase A/B1, and Phase B2/C/D is expected to begin by mid-2025.

You will report to the Copernicus Space Segment Programme Manager within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. You will be responsible for managing the Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-1 Next Generation Project protoflight and implementation of the recurrent satellites (Phases B2/C/D/E1).

Duties

Your specific responsibilities and duties will include:

responsibility for the end-to-end procurement and technical management of the Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-1 Next Generation Projects within the agreed technical specification, cost and schedule;
management of the industrial contract(s) relating to your area of responsibility and interfacing with industry for all project matters;
representation of the projects, and associated reporting, towards ESA technical authorities, such as the Inspector General, audit teams, frequency coordination teams, the Security Office and the Independent Safety Office, as well as the Mission Advisory Group and ESA delegate bodies, notably DOSTAG;
management of the Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-1 Next Generation ESA Project Teams and associated support from the Directorates of Earth Observation Programmes; Technology, Engineering and Quality; Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness; and Operations, ensuring that all appropriate information is available to all Project participants such that they can discharge their responsibilities efficiently within the agreed framework.

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

Technical competencies

Knowledge of Space system development and PA standards

Knowledge of space projects, including instrumentation and operations

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects

Experience in the delivery of complex projects within cost and schedule

Experience in complex project risk management processes

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 a scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should also have:

proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team in a project setting;
the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Project 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;
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.

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
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

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.

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.

Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-1 Next Generation Project Manager

Job description