Head of the Sentinels Radar Imaging Missions Operations Unit

LocationESOC, Darmstadt, GermanyDescriptionHead of the Sentinels Radar Imaging Missions Operations Unit in the Earth Observation Missions Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations.The Earth Observation Missions Division is responsible for the design, implementation and operations of the flight operations ground segment and the spacecraft operations for the Earth Observation Programme, typically from the start of phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of mission.DutiesAs Head of the Sentinels Radar Imaging Missions Operations Unit, you will report hierarchically to the Head of the Earth Observation Missions Division. You will be responsible for the management, definition, implementation and execution of satellite operations and the management of the flight operations segment of the missions allocated to the Unit. You will be supported by a team of Spacecraft Operations Engineers and industrial service teams in discharging the Unit’s duties.As Head of Unit, you will generally assume the role of Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM) of the missions entrusted to the Unit, but you may formally appoint dedicated Spacecraft Operations Manager(s) to support the implementation-related tasks where applicable.Your main duties will include:managing the staff of the Unit, allocating the required support to the mission(s) implemented within the Unit;managing, at the technical level, the industrial services associated with the Unit, acting as Technical Responsible (TR) for the service provider(s);analysing, in coordination with the ground segment and project teams, the project requirements to develop the operations concept in support of the definition of the mission implementation plan(s) for the mission(s) allocated to the Unit;conducting mission operations studies and defining mission operations concepts and their evolution in support of the above activities;defining the detailed requirements for the ground systems to be developed to support the spacecraft operations of the missions assigned to the Unit, as well as validating these systems;participating with the Project Team in the definition and implementation of the space segment, particularly regarding interfaces with the ground segment, operability and maintainability;managing the industrial in-flight support provided by the prime contractor for routine mission operations;conducting operations during critical mission phases (Launch and Early Orbit, mission disposal/termination, etc.) under the overall responsibility of the Flight Operations Director;conducting all commissioning and routine flight/mission operations through to end-of- mission, including mission planning, execution, reporting, anomaly investigation and resolution, evaluation and long-term analysis both of the ground segment and spacecraft performance, and on-board software maintenance as required;interfacing with other areas in the Agency, industry, the user community, external operations centres and agencies for all aspects related to mission operations;As required, you will assist the Head of Division in discharging the Division’s mandate and preparing for new missions to be operated by the Division or associated Units. This may include the delegation of budget management or specific operational roles (such as as Flight Operations Director), participation in reviews, preparations and operations of other missions delegated to the Unit, Division or Department, and support for other Directorate or ESA activities.You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.Technical competencies General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the positionExperience with mission, spacecraft and/or payload operationsExperience with development and maintenance of ground infrastructure and/or software systemsExperience with large operations and associated software systems, preferably space-basedBehavioural competenciesResult Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducationA master’s degree in engineering or physics is required for this post.Additional requirementsKnowledge of the Copernicus Programme and the Sentinels Missions is highly desirable. Previous experience in preparing and executing a Launch and early Orbit Phase (LEOP) of an Earth Observation mission will be considered an asset.You should also have:the potential to manage individuals or a team; 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.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 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 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 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.