ESA

4S End-to-End System Architect

Noordwijk, Netherlands

Full Time

12 minutes ago

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Job description

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

4S End-to-End System Architect in the Safety and Security from Space Programme Office in the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The 4S (Space Systems for Safety and Security) Strategic Programme Line (SPL) is one of the three main strategic pillars of the ESA programme in the field of telecommunications (ARTES). It focuses on next-generation satcom solutions serving governmental needs and critical infrastructures and/or applications with high security, resilience and sovereignty requirements. Consequently, the emphasis of the 4S SPL is on security, safety, resilience and sovereignty in design, manufacturing techniques and operations. The 4S SPL covers solutions that either provide secure connectivity services in support of critical applications, such as maritime and air traffic management and critical infrastructure monitoring, or improve the security of connectivity networks and data by using cutting-edge technologies in relation to security and/or safety.
The current global context is driving a fast-paced, dynamic market in the domain of secure satcom solutions, including in Europe, as demonstrated by the EU IRIS² Programme decided upon in 2022, as well as a range of private ongoing initiatives in the domain. To maximise the impact of ESA Member States’ investment in preparing advanced 4S technologies, infrastructures and services, the overall system and technical consistency of ESA activities must be ensured.
Rather than focusing on a single project as a system engineer, you will be the technical focal point for the 4S SPL, providing guidance and coordination across all 4S activities and projects and defining technical priorities and actions. You will be responsible for the overall system and technical consistency of service- and system-level activities over the short, medium and long term, as well as their alignment with 4S principles and objectives.
You will report to the 4S Strategic Programme Line Manager, who also performs the role of Head of the Space Systems for Safety and Security Office.
You will liaise on a daily basis with the 4S Implementation Manager in charge of the programmatic and management aspects of the SPL.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of the Safety and Security from Space Programme Office, you will be the technical lead and solution reference point for 4S-related matters. Relying on and coordinating a network of experts, your tasks and responsibilities will include:

liaising with institutions, user communities, technical experts and industry to identify innovative secure satcom systems and technologies to respond to future user needs and emerging threats; this will include liaising with the European Commission in coordination with the IRIS² Programme Department;
establishing accordingly a technical roadmap and plan of actions aiming to make the relevant end-to-end 4S solutions available in Europe, from an innovative and resilient European supply chain;
leading the overall effort to ensure consistency of technologies in which to invest, and of 4S new activities at system and service levels, also covering programmes decided upon in Europe/by the EU (where IRIS² is concerned, these efforts will be conducted in coordination with the IRIS² Programme Department);
supporting the 4S Implementation Manager in defining a baseline of activities to be procured;
supporting the 4S procurement process. , including participation in tender evaluation boards (TEBs);
contributing to the assessment of, and subsequently supporting, the individual activities and projects proposed by industry in direct negotiation, with the aim of maximising the impact of their contribution to the 4S strategy, and the related Member State investment;
supporting 4S-related project reviews, as required;
defining steps and processes relating to knowledge capture at the end of each activity, as well as feedback for the roadmap;
promoting, from a technical point of view, the activities of the Unit, by participating in conferences and supporting marketing campaigns.

Technical competencies

Multi-disciplinary knowledge of your area of responsibility, in particular the security and/or safety domain

Diverse experience in the design, development and validation of end-to-end satellite telecommunication systems, preferably in satcom constellations

Experience in the implementation of (large) R&D activities and/or projects in the satcom domain, either in a space agency or in industry, for example system integrators, satellite operators or service providers, preferably in 4S-related application domains, for either large established players, SMEs or start-ups

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Knowledge of institutional and commercial satcom markets and applications, in particular in 4S-related application domains

Experience in defence- or security-related R&D activities and/or projects would be a plus

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 the relevant engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Demonstrated experience in a matrix organisation and in non-hierarchical leadership positions.

You should have at least 10 years of experience and expertise in satcom systems, products and technology, with emphasis on end-to-end system engineering.

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 (A3-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 & 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, the 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.