Mission Operations Security Officer

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 across multiple countries, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, satellite technology, and Earth observation, among others. The agency is committed to fostering international cooperation in space exploration and technology development, working with various global partners to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Mission Operations security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Officer will be a key member of the Technical and Management Support Office within the Mission Operations Department at ESA. This role is crucial for ensuring the security of mission operations, particularly in the context of cyber security. The officer will support the preparation and execution of mission operations by addressing operational security aspects. This includes assisting the Mission Operations Security Team Lead and the Cyber Security Manager in implementing ESA's security policies for missions. The officer will also engage with institutional and commercial partners to ensure that security-related matters are adequately addressed. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying security risks and implementing necessary measures to mitigate them, ensuring compliance with both Directorate and Agency-level security policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Mission Operations Security Officer include supporting the Project/System Security Officers (PSSOs) and the Cyber Security Manager in their operational security functions. The officer will perform mission security risk assessments, ensuring that security risks are identified and managed effectively. Responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with security policies and procedures, providing engineering support for security audits, and assisting in the development of mission security operations procedures. The officer will work closely with Spacecraft Operations Managers and Flight Control Teams to address security-related engineering tasks. Additionally, the officer will assist in interfacing with the Cyber Security Operations Centre and contribute to the specification and maintenance of ground segment systems required for mission operations. The role may also involve providing expertise and support to various stakeholders within the agency and the broader space community.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in security engineering, particularly as it applies to space operations. A master’s degree in a relevant STEM field is required, along with at least two years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and four additional years of relevant experience may also be considered. Experience in security engineering and standards is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a multi-project environment. Additional qualifications that are considered assets include security certifications such as CISSP or CISM, personal security clearance, and experience in managing information security within ground segment design and operations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master’s degree in a relevant STEM domain, such as engineering, computer science, or information technology. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a similar field, combined with significant professional experience, may also be eligible. The educational qualifications should provide a solid foundation in technical principles relevant to mission operations and security.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a master’s degree. For those with a bachelor’s degree, a total of four years of relevant experience is necessary. Experience in security engineering and standards, particularly in the context of space operations, is essential. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working in environments that require the management of security risks and compliance with established policies.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Knowledge of another language from a member state is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. The recruitment process will adhere to the advertised grade band (A2-A4), but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be appointed at the A1 level. Applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to obtain security clearance from their national security administrations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. 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.