Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Head of the Future Engineering Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Reporting to the Head of the Systems Department, as Head of the Future Engineering Division, you will play a vital role in driving innovation and fostering collaboration across the domains of artificial intelligence, advanced simulation, sustainability engineering, and digital transformation.

In this leadership role, you will oversee the Agency’s centre of excellence for cutting-edge technologies, guiding multidisciplinary teams as they shape the future of space missions and their downstream applications. From spearheading advancements in AI and data science to devising technical solutions in clean and sustainable space initiatives, you will lead the charge in tackling some of the most complex challenges in modern space engineering. As a visionary and strategic leader, you will be responsible not only for delivering technical expertise and operational excellence, but also for cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. You will ensure your team is equipped to meet evolving project needs and emerging engineering trends while representing the Agency on the global stage in your area of expertise.

Finally, you will be responsible for the management of the Division, its resources and its activities. In addition, you will be accountable within the Agency for the outcome of operational activities conducted within the Division’s technical domain.

More specifically, under the direct authority of the Head of the Systems Department, the Head of the Future Engineering Division (in support of the programme directorates) is responsible for:

leading the Agency centre of excellence for artificial intelligence and data science technologies for space applications and downstream applications;
leading the Agency centre of excellence for modelling and advanced simulation methods and software applications required for mission and system design, analysis, and verification, including data modelling, ontologies, databases, test benches and applications, electrical ground support equipment and advanced human-computer interaction;
supporting pre-Phase A mission and system design studies, including concurrent engineering (CDF) and collaborative engineering methods, in particular model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approaches;
providing cost estimates and cost engineering analysis, data bases and tools in support to projects and other initiatives, developing cost engineering methodologies, and improving overall Agency capability in cost analysis and supply chain readiness assessments;
supporting projects with the centre of competence in sustainable engineering for all areas relating to Clean Space, life cycle analysis, eco-design, zero debris, REACh and RoHS;
establishing and maintaining quality, engineering, management, sustainability, industrialisation, and interoperability standards, references and support and leading the evolution of the ECSS next generation of standards, including end-to-end digitalisation.

Duties

Within the technical domains defined above, your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

Expert support to Agency projects and programmes within the scope of the Division;
Development and assessment of relevant future engineering technologies, methods and tools, in particular for AI and data science;
Modelling and simulation of space missions in support of the design, development and verification process, including real-time test bench technology, system verification software, and ground support equipment;
Research and development of methods and tools in support of digital engineering, including data modelling, ontologies and system databases;
Managing ECSS standardisation and its evolution and operations;
Managing relevant laboratory facilities to support technology demonstration and hands-on training and development, as well as project support;
Representing the Agency in your area(s) of expertise within ESA and with external entities, such as industry and delegations;
Coordinating the dissemination of the Division’s results within and beyond ESA, in particular through conferences, workshops and R&D presentation days;
Prototype software architectures and applications to enhance flight system performance;
In line with anticipated technology trends and project needs, defining, promoting and implementing the Division’s contributions to ESA’s technology programmes and R&D activities;
Coordinating, where applicable, the requirements of technology elements with the overall requirements of systems being developed under the responsibility of other areas in the Directorate;
Liaising with relevant technology expert groups and coordination mechanisms;
Establishing good working relationships and technical networks with users, project groups and other organisations both inside and outside the Agency.

At managerial level, your tasks and responsibilities will include:

establishing the (multi-year) plan of activities for the Division, covering required competences and assignment of resources;
accountability for all activities and resources delegated to the Division;
maintaining state-of-the-art expertise within the Division;
driving the development of people within your area of responsibility;
managing staff functional mobility and changes;
accountability to the hierarchy for all daily matters within the Division;
supporting teamwork, the exchange of experience and lessons learned, and the gathering of feedback;
contributing to the continuous improvement of working procedures, tools, processes, expert working methods and delivery methods;
ensuring a positive and motivating working environment for the Division;
communicating ESA values and ensuring compliance with all ESA policies;
anticipating and resolving sensitive or difficult situations, detecting and managing health and safety issues, and liaising with HR as required.

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

You will be supported in your activities by Heads of Section, who each manage a team of technical experts.

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Experience in supporting ESA programmes and/or projects and knowledge of their technical and programmatic requirements in relevant technical domains

Experience in driving R&D activities, as well as knowledge of ESA technology programmes

Experience in ESA procurement processes and contract management, as well as applied negotiation skills

Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation

Knowledge of the industrial landscape and the ability to define technology development roadmaps identifying future trends in technology requirements

Direct experience in space projects throughout phases B2/C/D

Behavioural competencies

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

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

Education

A master’s degree in computer engineering, space system engineering, physics or another relevant subject is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Strong experience in the domain of modern engineering methods
Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team of experts in an international project;
The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Division 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, solve 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 (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.

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

Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation.
Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, starting after approximately five years in this role.

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 & 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.

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.

Head of the Future Engineering Division

Job description