Ground Segment Product Assurance & Safety Manager (multiple positions)

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 operates across multiple countries, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster international cooperation in space exploration.

Job Overview:
The Ground Segment Product Assurance & Safety Manager position involves overseeing the Product Assurance and Safety (PA&S) processes within the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. The role requires an individual to support the Directorate of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity (D/RNC) and report directly to the Head of the Directorate’s Product Assurance and Safety Office. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with ESA's PA&S policies and will work closely with technical teams on various D/RNC programs. The position demands a blend of classical methodologies and modern practices, including Agile and IA-based approaches, to ensure the effective delivery of ground segment and software engineering processes. The role is crucial for maintaining high professional standards and contributing to corporate tasks such as reviews and lessons learned.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Ground Segment Product Assurance & Safety Manager include establishing and maintaining the PA&S requirements baseline for ground segments, reviewing contractors’ plans and specifications, guiding the implementation of PA&S requirements, participating in design reviews, and representing ESA in various project boards. The manager will also ensure the implementation of software PA and configuration management requirements, monitor integration and test activities, support the definition of acceptance requirements, and contribute to the establishment of standards and best practices in PA&S. Additionally, the role involves participating in Agency-level project reviews and supporting the transfer of technical knowledge across the Agency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant domain and have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the field. A strong background in ground/space systems is essential, along with experience in managing Product Assurance for large ground segment projects. Familiarity with software engineering and quality management disciplines is required, as well as knowledge of relevant space and aeronautics quality standards such as ECSS, DO-178C, or DO-278A. Experience with Agile development methodologies and tools is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field is mandatory for this position. This educational background should ideally be complemented by extensive professional experience in areas related to product assurance and safety management, particularly within the context of ground and space systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience. Candidates with less than four years of experience may be considered for a lower grade level (A1). Experience in the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security domain and familiarity with Agile development frameworks such as SAFe would be advantageous.

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

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

• Recruitment will prioritize candidates from ESA member states, and applicants must be eligible for security clearance. The Agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment.