Space Traffic Competitiveness 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 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, exploration, and telecommunications, and collaborates with numerous international partners.

Job Overview:
The Space Traffic Competitiveness Coordinator will play a pivotal role within ESA's Space Debris Office, which serves as the focal point for space debris matters and services related to space traffic. The primary goal of this position is to support ESA missions throughout all phases, from design to operation and disposal. The Coordinator will manage the Competitiveness Segment of ESA's Space Safety Programme (S2P), focusing on developing the space safety market and exploiting commercialization opportunities. This involves shortening the innovation path from technology to product and service, acting as an evaluating user and early adopter of industry products and services, and actively reducing business risks. The role requires overseeing and coordinating the Office’s service portfolio, developing and procuring services from industrial partners, and leading the transition towards increased use of external infrastructure. The Coordinator will work closely with various technical experts and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of activities under the Competitiveness Segment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Space Traffic Competitiveness Coordinator include:

• Overall coordination of the evaluation and implementation of proposals for the Competitiveness Segment of S2P.
• Leading the procurement and implementation of selected activities via S2P workplans, liaising with procurement, legal, financial, risk, schedule, controlling, and outreach services.
• Defining, implementing, and reporting on means to assess market success of supported entities in coordination with Commercialisation services.
• Liaising with stakeholders to support the Competitiveness Segment in evolving towards enabling industry through ESA’s technical expertise.
• Identifying, prioritizing, and tracking risks in the S2P Competitiveness Segment, reporting to programme management, implementing risk mitigation measures, and providing recommendations on acceptable risk levels.
• Coordinating support from engineering experts in evaluating and following up on activities under the S2P Competitiveness Segment.
• Supporting S2P Project Managers and Core Team on commercialisation matters.
• Developing the Office’s service portfolio for internal and external projects, services, and missions.
• Managing procurement and integration of space debris services from industrial partners into the Office portfolio. 1
• Leading the transition of Office infrastructure towards increased use of industrial capabilities. 1
• Assessing and monitoring cost and schedule risks in the service portfolio in coordination with stakeholders. 1
• Contributing to the procurement and management of framework contracts and various related budgets, introducing modern business analytics tools. 1
• Contributing to the evolution of relevant quality management systems and supporting standardisation activities in the area of expertise.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an excellent and broad background in space traffic matters, space mission development, and operations, preferably with a focus on space debris. They should have the ability to quickly understand and analyze business plans and assess funding mechanisms. Experience in defining and performing innovative services, particularly in creating efficient service level agreements (SLAs), is essential. Candidates should also have project management experience and the ability to monitor progress through key performance indicators (KPIs). Technical management experience and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews and service evaluations, are also required.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, physics, or a related science field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform the duties associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires more than 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in operational environments. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of mission analysis fundamentals, spacecraft design, ground segments, and mission operations. Familiarity with modern project and risk management methods, as well as knowledge of the European industrial landscape, is also important. Experience in entrepreneurship, business development, and public-private partnerships is highly desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the 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 diverse environment of ESA and its stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a permanent contract within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). 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 A1 level. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations. 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, including women and individuals with disabilities.