Lunar Resources and Infrastructure Team Leader

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Position Title: Lunar Resources and Infrastructure Team Leader
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 9 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'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, and planetary exploration, and collaborates with numerous international partners to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Lunar Resources and Infrastructure Team Leader will be responsible for the programmatic and technical management of lunar payloads and missions. This role involves overseeing a portfolio of hosted lunar payloads that cover diverse science and technology topics, as well as managing small-class lunar missions. The position requires close collaboration with project teams, industrial contractors, and international partners to ensure successful mission execution. The Team Leader will also be tasked with planning future lunar payloads and missions, aligning them with the objectives of the Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE). This role is critical in advancing ESA's lunar exploration initiatives and ensuring a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Lunar Resources and Infrastructure Team Leader include:

• Project Management and Technical Leadership: - Manage the translation of exploration, scientific, and technology demonstration requirements into viable mission and technical requirements. - Oversee the procurement and feasibility studies, design, development, and operations of all hosted lunar payloads. - Ensure all approved projects are managed within schedule and budget, particularly focusing on Phase D/E of Prospect on board a NASA CLPS lunar mission. - Provide leadership support to team members for high-level management tasks, interfacing with the industrial consortium as needed. - Coordinate with Science Team Leaders regarding scientific activities linked to development and operations preparation.
• Programmatic Leadership and Coordination: - Ensure coherence of team activities in line with E3P objectives. - Define and plan future mission, science, and technology payloads in coordination with the Chief Exploration Scientist and ExPeRT Team Leader. - Propose risk levels during implementation phases and manage project risks. - Negotiate high-level agreements for international cooperation and manage their execution. - Prepare inputs for E3P programme proposals.
• Team Management and Knowledge Sharing: - Manage team evolution and liaise with the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) for expert support. - Stimulate the collection and sharing of lessons learned within and outside the team. - Regularly report to the Lunar Projects Group Leader and D/HRE Member State boards.
• Health and Safety: - Identify, assess, manage, and report health and safety risks in the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include: - A master’s degree in a relevant domain. - At least five years of experience in space projects, particularly in managing projects in Phases C and D up to operations. - Proven experience in people management and leading teams. - Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to drive programmatics and coordinate internal and external stakeholders. - Excellent delegation, planning, and organizational skills. - Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate and resolve complex issues. - Demonstrated leadership, relationship management, and communication skills, both oral and written.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in a relevant field, which is essential for understanding the complexities of space projects and the technical requirements associated with lunar exploration.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of experience in space projects, with a proven track record in managing projects through critical phases of development and operations. Experience in leading teams and managing diverse stakeholders is also essential, as is the ability to provide strategic direction and make high-quality decisions in a timely manner.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is a permanent contract and falls within the grade band A2-A

• However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of their master’s degree, the position may be filled at the A1 level. Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. The ESA values diversity and aims to create an inclusive working environment.