ASTRIS Project 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 satellite navigation, and collaborates with numerous international partners to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The ASTRIS Project Manager will play a pivotal role in the Ariane Programme within the Directorate of Space Transportation. This position entails overseeing the technical and programmatic implementation of the ASTRIS development project, which includes both a space segment and a ground control segment. The successful candidate will manage all relevant resources and contracts, ensuring the effective allocation of Astris funds, georeturn, risk management, and adherence to schedules. The role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders to prepare for the exploitation of the ASTRIS project and to contribute to the planning of its initial missions. The Project Manager will also be responsible for preparing statements of work, evaluating industrial offers, and conducting procurement negotiations, thereby interfacing with industry to facilitate project activities. This position demands a proactive approach to managing a project team and coordinating with the Directorate of Technology, Engineering, and Quality (TEC) as well as national organizations to ensure project success.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ASTRIS Project Manager will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: managing the technical and programmatic implementation of the ASTRIS development; overseeing the specifications elaboration, design, development, and qualification assembly of the first article; preparing the exploitation organization with various stakeholders; contributing to the preparation of the first missions; preparing relevant statements of work and requests for quotations; evaluating industrial offers and conducting negotiations related to procurement; interfacing with industry for project implementation; managing industrial contracts; leading the project team and coordinating support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering, and Quality; preparing project plans and organizing integrated project reviews; managing the overall budget allocated to the programme; reporting on the status and criticalities of activities; and preparing documentation for reporting and interfacing with delegations and the programme board. Additionally, the Project Manager will be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing, and reporting health and safety risks associated with the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in aerospace engineering with a focus on space systems and technologies, along with a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience. Direct experience in the development of space programmes is essential, as is proven experience in leading, motivating, and developing a team within a project environment. The ability to provide strategic direction to individuals and teams, drive performance, and foster cooperation across the organization is crucial. Excellent leadership, relationship management, and communication skills, both oral and written, are required, as well as a proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces. Candidates should demonstrate strong cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to anticipate problems and solve complex issues effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in aerospace engineering, specifically with a focus on space systems and technologies. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary technical knowledge and skills to manage complex space projects effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in the development of space programmes. Candidates should have direct experience in managing projects and teams, demonstrating the ability to lead and motivate individuals in a project environment. Experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities is also beneficial, as is international experience, including work outside the candidate's home country.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, which may be extended to an indefinite duration. The role is based at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France, and involves significant responsibilities that may include mobility opportunities as part of career evolution within the agency. The European Space 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 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.