Secure Connectivity Low TRL Technology Development 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 across various locations in Europe. 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 and is involved in a wide range of activities including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, among others. The organization is committed to fostering international cooperation in space exploration and technology development, and it plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in the field of space.

Job Overview:
The Secure Connectivity Low TRL Technology Development Coordinator will play a pivotal role within the Secure Connectivity Programme Department at ESA, specifically focusing on the development and validation of low-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) technologies. This position involves overseeing the implementation and delivery of technologies across various domains including system, space segment, ground segment, and user terminal domains. The coordinator will report directly to the Head of the Secure Connectivity Programme Department and will be responsible for ensuring that all project work packages are executed effectively and in alignment with the overall objectives of the Secure Connectivity initiative. The role requires a strong emphasis on collaboration with various departments to ensure coherent project execution and the successful integration of innovative technologies into the Secure Connectivity supply chain. The coordinator will also be tasked with promoting engagement with European industry, identifying innovative technology providers, and ensuring that the development processes are compliant with ESA's standards and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Secure Connectivity Low TRL Technology Development Coordinator include acting as the focal point for all ESA-PP derisking activities, ensuring a unified programmatic interface. The coordinator will coordinate with system, space, and ground segment offices to ensure coherent implementation and delivery of ESA-PP derisking activities. They will promote and facilitate the engagement of European industry in ESA-PP activities, identifying and onboarding innovative technology providers to enhance the competitiveness and diversity of the Secure Connectivity supply chain. The coordinator will oversee the development, maturation, and validation of low-TRL technologies and equipment across various domains, monitor industrial work for low-TRL developments, and ensure full programmatic compliance. Additionally, they will contribute to budget management, support analysis of requests for changes, coordinate planning and implementation of technical reviews, provide regular reports to project management, and support the Head of the Secure Connectivity Department in coordinating specialized engineering support and functional team management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a multidisciplinary knowledge of satellite system design, development, and verification, with specific experience in derisking and validating early-stage technologies (low-TRL). They should have experience in managing multiple parallel projects within the telecommunications domain, ensuring delivery within established budget, schedule, and performance baselines. Expertise in managing and procuring industrial activities is essential, along with the ability to steer technical and contractual negotiations and lead cross-functional technical reviews. Candidates should also have experience in technology maturation processes, specifically in transitioning from experimental R&D (low-TRL) to flight-ready equipment (high-TRL). Strong skills in promoting industrial engagement and harmonizing technical inputs from multidisciplinary teams are required, as well as robust risk management skills focused on early-stage technical deviations.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this position, along with a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional 4 years of relevant professional experience may be considered. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively manage and coordinate the development of low-TRL technologies within the Secure Connectivity Programme.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 10 years in relevant professional roles. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may qualify with an additional 4 years of experience. This experience should encompass project coordination and management within the telecommunications domain, as well as familiarity with technology maturation processes and industrial engagement.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time appointment for a duration of 4 years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. Recruitment will be conducted within the advertised grade band (A2-A4), although candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for a lower grade (A1). Applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control and sanctions 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. 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.