Head of the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department

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 across various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and space transportation, and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
As the Head of the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of space transportation systems and technologies. Reporting directly to the Director of Space Transportation, you will be a key member of the management team, participating in strategic decision-making for the Directorate. Your primary responsibility will be to prepare and develop future space transportation systems that align with the European space transportation sector's strategic goals. This includes establishing a comprehensive view of ESA's space transportation activities and ensuring the agency's role in future infrastructure development. You will lead a team of professionals, fostering their growth and performance while overseeing the implementation of innovative technologies and architectures in space transportation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and motivating department members by assessing performance, encouraging learning and development, and providing constructive feedback.
• Creating future space transportation infrastructure architecture scenarios that incorporate new technologies and commercial systems.
• Defining high-level requirements for ESA's future space transportation capabilities, including high-thrust engines, and guiding their implementation.
• Conducting system studies to identify and develop space transportation solutions that address technology development needs, while maintaining related technology roadmaps.
• Preparing new elements and follow-on activities for the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) and implementing its core elements.
• Collaborating closely with the European Launcher Challenge and Boost! programmes to develop synergies.
• Assessing existing and future technologies and preparing programme proposals related to space transportation building blocks.
• Ensuring coordination with departments responsible for infrastructure programmes and the Vega and Ariane programmes, as well as other ESA programmes related to in-orbit services.
• Identifying, assessing, managing, and reporting health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, you must possess a master's degree in an engineering domain, along with at least 15 years of relevant professional experience. You should have a proven track record of leading, motivating, and developing teams, as well as the ability to provide strategic direction that aligns with organizational goals. Strong problem-solving skills, the capacity to resolve complex issues, and the ability to support team members and stakeholders are essential. Experience in innovation and change management within a large organization is highly desirable, as is the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation across teams. Excellent leadership, relationship management, and communication skills, both oral and written, are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in an engineering domain is required for this position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in technical principles and practices relevant to space transportation systems and technologies.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on leadership and team development. Experience in managing complex projects and interacting with high-level stakeholders in the European space industry is essential. International experience, particularly outside of one's home country, is considered an asset, as is experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA's activities.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This linguistic proficiency is crucial for effective communication within the agency and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a four-year appointment, which may be extended to an indefinite duration. The role is based at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. 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. Applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to acquire security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance by their national security administrations. Mobility is inherent to management functions, and opportunities for career evolution may be offered after approximately five years in this role.