Earth Observation Ground Segment and Data 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 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 multiple countries across Europe and collaborates with various international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Earth Observation Ground Segment and Data Manager will play a crucial role in the ESA and Third-Party Missions Ground Segment Section, which is part of the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate. This position involves managing the onboarding activities of Earth Observation (EO) missions during their pre-launch phases and overseeing data generation and management operations post-launch. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that mission-specific requirements are integrated into the Earth Observation Missions Operations and Data Management Framework (EOF-EOS). This includes proactive monitoring of industrial engineering activities and ensuring that the framework evolves to meet the needs of new missions. The role requires a strong understanding of the operational concepts for science data generation and management systems, as well as the ability to coordinate with various teams to ensure successful mission operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Earth Observation Ground Segment and Data Manager will report to the Head of the ESA and Third-Party Missions Ground Segment Section. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the evaluation of new ESA EO missions during preliminary assessments, focusing on operations concepts, onboarding complexity, and associated costs.
• Contributing to the definition of new EO mission system requirements and collaborating with Space Segment and Flight Operations Segment Teams on data handling, downlink, and operations concept definition.
• Preparing onboarding plans for new EO missions, including project plans that outline necessary evolutions to the EOF-EOS technical and operational baseline.
• Managing the procurement of mission-specific elements and services, ensuring operational readiness through integration and validation activities.
• Coordinating pre-launch and commissioning system activities in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Managing data generation and management operations for EO missions, ensuring effective interaction with EO mission management and product quality management teams.
• Generating and maintaining management, technical, and operational documentation tailored to mission-specific needs.
• Proactively monitoring industrial engineering activities related to the EOF-EOS framework and assisting in audits or support for other projects as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven experience in operations management for EO data generation and management systems, along with solid system-level knowledge of these systems throughout the mission life cycle. Experience in mission planning and data processing, technical project management, and familiarity with procurement processes are essential. Candidates should demonstrate result orientation, operational efficiency, and the ability to foster cooperation and relationship management. Continuous improvement and forward-thinking skills are also highly valued.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this position, along with four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience may also be considered for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master's degree. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have a total of eight years of relevant experience to be considered for the role. Experience in operations management, technical project management, and familiarity with EO data generation and management systems is crucial.

Languages:
A good command of English or French is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

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

• Recruitment will primarily be within this grade band, but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered at the A1 level. The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process, and successful candidates will need to pass a basic screening before appointment. The ESA 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. The Agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace.