Ariane 6 Launch System Product Assurance and Safety Manager

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 encompass 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 countries across Europe and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance space science, technology, and applications.

Job Overview:
As the Product Assurance and Safety (PA&S) Manager for the Ariane 6 Launch System, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of the launch system. This position is situated within the Space Transportation Systems Product Assurance and Safety Office, which is part of the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. Your primary responsibility will be to oversee the implementation of PA&S requirements throughout the development and operational phases of the Ariane 6 programme. You will work closely with various stakeholders, including project managers and contractors, to ensure compliance with ESA's PA&S policies and applicable legal requirements. Your role will also involve coordinating the PA&S team, managing audits, and facilitating communication between different departments to promote best practices in product assurance and safety management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will include coordinating the Ariane 6 and Astris PA&S team, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to meet project needs. You will interface with programme and project managers to establish and maintain the PA&S requirements baseline, ensuring compliance with ESA policies. You will review contractors' plans and specifications, verifying that PA&S requirements are integrated throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, you will manage the verification of PA&S requirements during key project reviews and milestones, guiding contractors in the implementation of approved plans. You will prepare audit plans, conduct audits, and manage follow-up actions. Your responsibilities will also include chairing boards for handling major non-conformances, analyzing requests for changes in design or processes, and preparing relevant documentation. You will support the handover of hardware and software between development and operational teams and contribute to the establishment of standards and best practices in product assurance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in engineering and have several years of experience in managing product assurance and safety activities. Proven experience in interfacing with partners in an international environment is essential. Familiarity with highly regulated environments such as aeronautics, automotive, or healthcare is preferred. Experience in configuration management and quality auditing certification is considered an asset. Knowledge of the French Space Operation Act (FSOA) and related regulations is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in engineering is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary technical foundation to understand the complexities of product assurance and safety in the context of space projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have several years of relevant experience in product assurance and safety management, particularly in the aerospace sector. Experience in managing industrial activities, conducting quality audits, and participating in project reviews is crucial. Familiarity with lean product development methodologies and approaches will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another language from an ESA Member State is considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse workforce.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite, and falls within the grade band A2-A

• Recruitment will prioritize candidates from ESA Member States, with a focus on achieving diversity within the workforce. The selected candidate must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to obtain security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. 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.