LEO-PNT System and Segment Interfaces Coordinator

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 LEO-PNT System and Segment Interfaces Coordinator will play a crucial role in the Celeste System Unit, part of the Future Navigation Department within the Directorate of Navigation. This position involves overseeing the system interfaces for the In-Orbit Preparatory (IOP) and European Union LEO-PNT projects. The coordinator will support the implementation of the Celeste In-Orbit Demonstrator phase, which includes managing industrial contracts that demonstrate the feasibility of using low-Earth orbits for enhanced positioning, navigation, and timing services. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the successful integration of LEO-PNT capabilities into existing systems, thereby enhancing resilience and accuracy for emerging applications. The coordinator will also contribute to the development of pre-operational products and technologies, ensuring that the European Union remains at the forefront of innovation in the PNT market.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the LEO-PNT System and Segment Interfaces Coordinator include: managing system interfaces for both internal and external stakeholders, particularly focusing on telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) and inter-satellite links (ISL); coordinating with the ESA Directorate of Navigation's ground segment team on aspects related to the EU LEO-PNT ground segment; defining and maintaining system interfaces, including security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security considerations; collaborating with the Celeste system team and EU LEO-PNT operations team to ensure operational coherence; defining Interface Requirements Documents (IRDs) and Interface Control Documents (ICDs); overseeing industrial activities related to interfaces and ground segments; leading a team of engineers and providing specialized engineering support; following up on the implementation of interfaces at the system level; assisting in technical change requests and providing recommendations; supporting verification and validation activities; and reporting regularly to project management on risks and issues, proposing mitigation strategies as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong result orientation, with the ability to prioritize tasks and present practical solutions effectively, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated planning and organizational skills are essential. Additionally, experience in LEO-PNT systems or GNSS systems, as well as familiarity with TT&C interfaces and ground segments for LEO systems, is highly desirable. Strong communication and relationship management skills in an international context are also considered assets.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline is required for this position. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience may be considered. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to succeed in this technical role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant professional experience in the system engineering domain, particularly in satellite navigation systems and managing industrial activities in the space sector. Experience with interfaces covering ground-to-ground, ground-to-space, and space-to-space communications is essential. Familiarity with system validation and verification processes is also important for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Agency. A good knowledge of one of these languages is required, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse international team.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of four years, which may be extended up to a maximum of eight years based on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2-A4, with the possibility of being filled at A1 level for candidates with less than four years of relevant experience. Applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to obtain security clearance. 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.