Gateway Project Team Leader

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Position Title: Gateway Project Team Leader
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 11 December 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Job Details

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 operates across multiple countries, focusing on various space missions, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and planetary exploration. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster international cooperation in space exploration.

Job Overview:
The Gateway Project Team Leader will oversee the Gateway Project, which is part of the Artemis Programme aimed at returning humans to the Moon. The Gateway is a small space station that will orbit the Moon, facilitating scientific research and international cooperation. The role involves managing the development, verification, launch, and operation of key Gateway elements such as the International Habitation module (I-Hab) and the European Systems Providing Refuelling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications (ESPRIT). The successful candidate will ensure that all project elements are implemented within budget and schedule, while also managing industrial contracts and overseeing mission operations. This position requires strong leadership skills to manage a team of engineers and support staff, ensuring high-quality results and fostering a cooperative work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Gateway Project Team Leader include implementing the Gateway Project elements within budget and schedule, managing industrial contracts for the development and operation of I-Hab and ESPRIT, overseeing all aspects related to the ground segment and mission operations, ensuring technical suitability and timely availability of contributed elements from international partners, representing ESA at relevant working groups, leading project team activities, providing reports on project status, and participating in other Directorate tasks as needed. Additionally, the leader will be responsible for people management, driving performance, developing team members, fostering cooperation, and managing health and safety risks in their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven experience in project management and system engineering, with a strong background in leading and developing teams in a project environment. They should demonstrate the ability to make timely, high-standard decisions, provide strategic direction, drive performance, and foster cooperation across teams. Excellent leadership, relationship management, and communication skills are essential, along with strong cognitive, analytical, planning, and organizational abilities. Experience managing managers and multiple teams, as well as international experience, is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant engineering domain is required for this position. This educational background should provide the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively manage complex space projects and lead engineering teams.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in project management and system engineering, particularly in the context of space hardware development. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading teams and managing projects with multiple interfaces, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

Languages:
A good knowledge of English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of ESA's operations.

Additional Notes:
This is a permanent contract position based in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The successful candidate will be expected to comply with European and US export control regulations and undergo security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. The agency values a diverse workforce and aims to create an inclusive working environment.