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

Job Overview:
The Launch Services and coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Coordinator position is situated within the Earth Observation Projects Department of ESA's Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. The role involves overseeing the procurement and assessment of launch services for various missions, including Earth Explorers and SCOUTs, as well as supporting the Copernicus missions. The coordinator will be responsible for managing launch service contracts, ensuring the technical definition of interfaces between spacecraft and launch vehicles, and optimizing technical solutions across projects. This position requires close collaboration with project teams and the ability to provide expert advice on launcher-related activities. The coordinator will also support the Head of the Earth Observation Projects Department in maintaining technical and programmatic dossiers related to launch services, ensuring coherent implementation of applicable policies and methodologies across projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The principal tasks and responsibilities of the Launch Services and Technical Coordinator include acting as the focal point for all launcher activities at the Earth Explorer Missions Programme level, establishing and maintaining technical and programmatic dossiers related to launchers, monitoring the commercial and institutional launch service market, and supporting missions in the establishment and monitoring of launch services. The coordinator will act as Technical Officer for related contracts, ensuring coordination with other relevant directorates, and provide technical support for launcher interface definition and procurement. Responsibilities also include participating in launch vehicle reviews, preparing for launch campaigns, and acting as ESA Deputy Launch Campaign Manager during missions. The coordinator will consolidate a list of common technical topics for coordinated implementation and support project teams in the implementation of these topics, ensuring efficient execution of annual plans for functional support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering, and Quality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline, along with at least four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with an additional four years of experience may be considered. Previous professional experience as a controller in a project or programme is preferred, and experience in finance, controlling, or auditing is considered a key asset. Knowledge of space systems architecture and substantial experience in project management and control principles are essential. Candidates should also have experience in the preparation, negotiation, and implementation of major industrial procurements, as well as engineering experience in a project or programme.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this position. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may also be considered if they have an additional four years of relevant professional experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in engineering principles applicable to space systems and project management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in the aerospace sector, particularly in spacecraft launch services and associated launch campaigns. Candidates should have experience in procurement, management, and monitoring of industrial activities, as well as participation in negotiations and reviews. Experience in spacecraft design, development, and verification processes is also essential, along with a strong understanding of project management principles and advanced project control techniques.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French, with a good knowledge of one of these languages being mandatory for the position. Knowledge of another Member State language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment 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 primarily be within this grade band, but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. Applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations. 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.