Head of Space Weather and OPS-SAT Space Lab Mission Operations Unit

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'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. ESA operates in various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and science, and collaborates with numerous international partners to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Space Weather and OPS-SAT Space Lab Mission Operations Unit is a pivotal role within the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Division of the Mission Operations Department at ESA. This position entails overseeing the management, design, implementation, and operational execution of mission operations for various astrophysics science missions and space safety missions. The successful candidate will lead a team responsible for the mission operations ground segment and spacecraft operations, ensuring that all missions are executed efficiently from the initial phases through to routine operations and eventual mission termination. The role requires a strategic approach to mission operations, including the development of operational concepts, management of technical requirements, and coordination with various project teams to ensure successful mission outcomes. The Head of Unit will also play a crucial role in interfacing with other areas within ESA and external partners, ensuring that all mission operations align with the agency's broader objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Head of the Space Weather and OPS-SAT Space Lab Mission Operations Unit include: managing the staff and resources of the Unit, ensuring that mission support is effectively allocated; overseeing the technical management of industrial services associated with the Unit; analyzing project requirements to develop comprehensive operations concepts; conducting mission operations studies and defining detailed requirements for ground systems; participating in the definition and implementation of the space segment; managing in-flight support provided by contractors; conducting operations during critical mission phases; executing all commissioning and routine flight operations; providing expert support to ESA programmes; and interfacing with various stakeholders for mission operations. Additionally, the Head of Unit will assist in preparing for new missions and managing health and safety risks within their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong technical background with demonstrated experience in mission, spacecraft, and payload operations. A solid understanding of ground infrastructure development and maintenance, as well as experience with large-scale operations and associated software systems, is essential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing teams and projects, with strong leadership capabilities and excellent relationship management skills. The ability to foster cooperation and drive continuous improvement within the team is crucial. Furthermore, candidates should exhibit strong problem-solving skills and the capacity to manage challenging situations effectively.

Educational Background:
A master's degree or higher academic qualification in a relevant technical domain, such as engineering or physics, is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical expertise to manage complex space missions and operations effectively.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in ground segment and mission operations across various mission phases, including both critical and routine operations. Candidates should have system-level knowledge of science missions, particularly in astrophysics, which would be a strong asset. Experience in managing individuals or teams in a project or R&D setting is also highly desirable, as is international experience outside the candidate's home country.

Languages:
Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of ESA. Knowledge of another language from an ESA Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of the agency.

Additional Notes:
This position is a permanent contract within the ESA and falls under the grade band A2-A

• However, candidates with less than four years of relevant professional experience may be considered for an A1 level position. The role may involve mobility opportunities as part of career development within ESA, typically after five years in this role. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency also provides support for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process.