Head of the Flight Dynamics Division

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency operates across multiple countries in Europe and collaborates with various international partners to advance space science and technology. ESA's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Flight Dynamics Division is a pivotal role within the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department at ESA. This position involves overseeing the implementation of the department's strategy and managing change processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive solutions for space missions, focusing on mission analysis, flight dynamics, and precise navigation. This includes preparing for operations, executing missions, and evaluating performance. The role requires a strong emphasis on developing and maintaining the necessary infrastructure and systems to support these activities, ensuring they evolve to meet future needs while maximizing efficiency and quality. Additionally, the Head of the Division will lead efforts in innovation and commercialization within the European space sector, ensuring participation in international networks and conducting cutting-edge research. The position also involves managing resources, developing staff competencies, and addressing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, health, and safety risks within the division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of the Flight Dynamics Division include:

• Providing end-to-end solutions for mission analysis, flight dynamics, and precise navigation for missions at ESOC and other ESA programs.
• Preparing for operations, executing missions, and evaluating performance.
• Developing and maintaining infrastructure and systems from the study phase to decommissioning, ensuring sustainability and efficiency.
• Leading the European space sector's efforts in the division's domain, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Managing R&D activities, standardization, and harmonization in internal and international forums.
• Planning and managing division resources, including workforce workload and financial aspects.
• Developing staff competencies to meet strategic needs and managing knowledge in the division.
• Identifying and managing security, health, and safety risks in the division's area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high level of competence in astrodynamics and proven experience in applying these principles to space mission operations. They should have a strong ability to capture customer needs and a demonstrated record of delivering operational services on time and within budget while maintaining high quality and customer satisfaction. Excellent leadership, relationship management, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation across teams. Candidates should also have the ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues, and make timely, solution-oriented decisions with integrity.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in mathematics, physics, or a relevant engineering discipline is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform the complex tasks associated with flight dynamics and mission analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have proven experience in leading, motivating, and developing teams in a project or operational environment. Experience in providing strategic direction and relating team objectives to organizational goals is crucial. International experience, particularly outside the home country, is considered an asset, as is experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities. People management experience is required, and candidates should be prepared for potential mobility opportunities as part of their career evolution at ESA.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another Member State language is considered an asset. This linguistic requirement is essential for effective communication within the agency and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a permanent contract and is classified under Grade Band A

• The role may involve mobility opportunities after approximately five years, as part of career development within ESA. The agency is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment.