Industrial Policy Engineer

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, and satellite navigation, and collaborates with numerous international partners.

Job Overview:
The Industrial Policy Engineer will play a crucial role in the Industrial Policy Section within the Industrial Policy and Space Economy Division of the Industrial Policy and Auditing Department. This position is designed to enhance dialogue with industry stakeholders in ESA Member States, thereby systematically building ESA's knowledge of both European industry and accessible global markets. The engineer will be responsible for delivering industrial policy products and services to Member States’ delegations and industry, as well as to ESA programme directorates and high-level management. The role requires close cooperation with various teams within the division, including the Space Economy Team, the Industrial Return and Analytics Office, and the SME Office, ensuring a comprehensive approach to industrial policy and economic development in the space sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Industrial Policy Engineer include serving as the Country Desk Officer for specific Member States, contributing to the Observatory for Countries Capabilities, and participating in industrial policy taskforces and monitoring meetings. The engineer will meet with key entities in relevant Member States to provide structured feedback on their industrial capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Additionally, the engineer will perform analyses of Member States’ industrial capabilities and development opportunities, supporting the achievement of the Agency's industrial policy objectives. Responsibilities also include contributing to the preparation and evaluation of procurement activities, generating and improving products and services provided by the Section, and preparing briefings, presentations, and related documents.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a general understanding of the ESA institutional framework and programmes, including technical and programmatic requirements. A solid grasp of ESA policies, particularly geo-return principles and related industrial policy tools, is essential. Applicants should have a background in the technical domains relevant to the position, as well as knowledge of Europe’s space industry ecosystem and a general overview of the global space economy and markets. Strong communication and organizational skills are also required, along with the ability to facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant professional experience, ideally four years or more following the completion of their master’s degree. However, candidates with less experience may be considered for a lower grade level (A1). This experience should be in fields related to industrial policy, space economy, or similar areas that align with the responsibilities of the role.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory. Knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 2 years. The recruitment process will prioritize candidates from ESA Member States, and applications are only accepted from nationals of specific countries. The position is classified within the grade band A2-A4, with the possibility of being filled at A1 level for candidates with less experience. The Agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Candidates must also be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.