Job Advertisement

Position Title: Mission & Performance Manager
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 27 November 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 aspects of space science, technology, and exploration. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster International Cooperation in space exploration, ensuring that Europe plays a significant role in the global space arena.

Job Overview:
The Mission & Performance Manager will play a crucial role in the EnVision project, which is part of ESA's Cosmic Vision plan. This position involves overseeing the mission's requirements and ensuring that all technical and scientific objectives are met. The successful candidate will work closely with the Project Manager and various stakeholders to define mission requirements, manage project risks, and ensure that all project segments are effectively integrated. The role requires a strong understanding of space systems and the ability to lead a team of engineers and specialists in a dynamic environment. The candidate will also be responsible for developing and maintaining mission performance simulations and coordinating engineering activities to ensure mission success.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Mission & Performance Manager include supporting the Project Manager in establishing the Mission Requirement Document (MRD), ensuring that requirements flow down to each mission segment, and verifying that all project segments are correctly defined and implemented. The manager will develop and maintain the EnVision mission performance simulator, interface with ESOC for mission trajectory analyses, and plan mission-level reviews. Additionally, the manager will coordinate transverse engineering activities, support technical assessments of project risks, and lead the Mission and Performance team. The role also involves collecting lessons learned from previous projects and managing health and Safety Risks within the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in engineering or applied physics. They should be self-motivated, system-oriented, and capable of effectively interacting with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage individuals in a project setting. Knowledge of verification practices and tools, particularly DOORS, is preferred. The candidate should also demonstrate problem-solving skills, operational efficiency, and a results-oriented mindset.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in engineering or applied physics is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding complex space systems and the technical requirements of the EnVision mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master's degree. Candidates with less experience may be considered for a lower grade level. Experience in managing projects, particularly in the space sector, is highly desirable. Additionally, international experience and exposure to diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities will be considered an asset.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA 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 requirement ensures effective communication within the agency and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a permanent contract within the ESA, located in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The grade band for this role is A2 - A4, with recruitment primarily within this band. However, candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. 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. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities.