Copernicus LSTM Satellite Engineering and AIV Manager

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 in various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, and has a significant presence in multiple countries across Europe.

Job Overview:
The Copernicus LSTM Satellite Engineering and AIV Manager position is a critical role within the Copernicus Land Surface Temperature Monitoring (LSTM) Project, which is part of the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing satellite engineering and assembly, integration, and verification (AIV) activities for the LSTM mission, which is currently in Phase D. This role requires close collaboration with the LSTM Project Manager and other project engineers, ensuring that all technical, programmatic, and financial aspects are managed effectively. The manager will also be responsible for interfacing with various stakeholders and ensuring that the satellite meets all operational requirements and interfaces. The position demands a strong technical background in satellite engineering, as well as leadership skills to manage a team of engineers and coordinate with other project sections.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Satellite Engineering and AIV Manager include:

• Overseeing satellite engineering and AIV aspects, ensuring alignment with system requirements and operational interfaces.
• Maintaining and consolidating satellite requirements, design, development, testing, and verification processes.
• Monitoring industrial work related to satellite and ground support equipment procurement, ensuring compliance with technical and programmatic requirements.
• Defining and implementing AIT/AIV activities for satellites, platforms, subsystems, and units.
• Managing internal and external satellite interfaces and technical engineering budgets.
• Being technically responsible for spacecraft subsystems design and procurement, including structure, thermal, propulsion, mechanisms, power, and avionics.
• Supporting onboard software development and validation.
• Coordinating with the launcher authority on all interfaces between the launcher and satellite.
• Managing launch campaign preparation and execution. 1
• Ensuring satellite in-orbit verification and contributing to overall mission system commissioning. 1
• Leading and motivating the engineering team while liaising with other project sections. 1
• Handling anomalies and coordinating with other project sections on non-conformance reports and related processes. 1
• Reporting regularly to the Project Manager on satellite development aspects, identifying risks and proposing mitigation actions. 1
• Supporting general project reporting tasks and other departmental activities as required. 1
• Identifying and managing health and safety risks in the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline, along with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree and an additional four years of relevant experience may also be considered. Proven experience in leading and motivating a team, as well as excellent leadership, relationship management, and communication skills, are essential. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams, as well as a proven track record of representing the agency's interests to external interfaces.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this position. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may be considered if they have an additional four years of relevant professional experience. The educational background should include a strong foundation in engineering principles related to satellite design, development, and operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in spacecraft design, development, assembly, integration, and verification/testing. Experience in managing and monitoring industrial activities, participation in reviews, and satellite early operations (including launch and early orbit phases) is also essential. Familiarity with all phases of the software development lifecycle and performance evaluation at mission and spacecraft levels is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is one of the working languages of the Agency. A good knowledge of French is also required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse team at ESA.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time appointment for a duration of four years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. The recruitment process is open to nationals of ESA member states, and candidates must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations. The selected candidate may undergo selection tests and will need to complete a basic screening before appointment. The position is classified within the grade band A2-A4, with potential for adjustment based on the candidate's experience. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.