Head of the Systems and Project Support Sectionnew

Description

Head of the Systems and Project Support Section in the Ground Station Engineering Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.

The Systems and Project Support Section is responsible for the system aspects of all cross-cutting activities across the various sections in the Ground Station Engineering Division. In particular, it is responsible for the specification, design and evolution of ESA Tracking Station Network (ESTRACK) ground station systems. 

The Section coordinates the provision of engineering matrix support to all ESA programmes and third party projects, throughout all mission phases, in the Division's domains of expertise for ground-based RF and optical applications, including space communication, navigation, timing, radars and space safety applications. 

You, as the Head of the Systems and Project Support Section, will lead the management and evolution of the Ground Segment Reference Facility, coordinate the technology developments across the Division and act as the Lead Technical Authority for ground station engineering.

Duties

• Lead the system aspects in all cross-cutting activities across the various Sections in the Division;
• Lead the system-level specification, design and architectural evolution of ESTRACK ground stations, follow up implementation, and verify the performance and suitability of the stations for operations;
• Coordinate the provision of engineering matrix services to all ESA programmes and third party projects, throughout all mission phases, including space communication, navigation, timing, radars and space safety applications. This involves in particular:
  • active support for ESA programmes and future missions during early mission phases;
  • consolidation of mission requirements, trade-off studies and definition of communication architecture;
  • specification of system requirements and design for RF and optical ground-based assets;
  • coordination of support for special mission operation phases (e.g. LEOP, orbit insertion, Delta-DOR navigation). 
• Ensure consistency between the ESTRACK station performance in all relevant transmit and receive frequency bands for all missions entrusted to ESA; 
• Take on the role of Lead Technical Authority for ground stations engineering;
• Coordinate the technology development, harmonisation and standardisation activities of the Division and represent the domain in related forums (TECNET, CCSDS, IOAG, etc.);
• Follow the evolution of the industrial landscape in relevant application domains and coordinate the technology evolution roadmaps in close collaboration with industry;
• Manage the Ground Segment Reference Facility (GSRF) and its evolution;
• Lead radio frequency compatibility tests (RFCT) in coordination with the Ground Operations Division for ESTRACK stations, subsystem validation tests for ESTRACK stations, radar stations, optical ground stations, and complete ground segment validations under mission specific configuration control;
• Manage industrial contracts and services for the above activities.

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 the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with five years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

Team management experience as well as experience in interacting with ESA programmes, international partners (at managerial and technical level), ESA delegations, standardisation bodies and technology development processes would be an asset. 

• The potential to manage individuals;
• 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 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.