Head of the Ground Segment Section
Harwell, GB
Location
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom
Description
Head of the Ground Segment Section, reporting to the Head of the Technology and Products Division in the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications. You will be responsible for managing activities dedicated to the development of telecommunication ground segment technology and products.
Duties
Under the direct authority of the Head of the Technology and Products Division, you, as Head of the Ground Segment Section, will be responsible for the following:
- initiating, implementing and managing activities dedicated to the development of satellite ground segment technology and products for the satellite communication market, funded by ARTES CC as well as by the Strategic Programme Lines in accordance with the ARTES CC programme’s Implementing Rules;
- regular technical, programmatic and financial reporting to ESA management and ESA Member State delegations;
- managing the Section, including the preparation of staffing plans and resource requirements;
- providing engineering support to projects and activities with an emphasis on the adoption of innovative and disruptive technologies in the satellite communication domain;
- identifying and defining technology needs for future satellite communication space segment products and their associated roadmaps;
- coordinating the required support provided by other ESA organisational units (such as the Directorate of Operations, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, or Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness);
- supporting the preparation of the yearly ARTES Advanced Technology and Strategic Programme Lines Workplans;
- establishing close collaboration with other sections/divisions in the Department and Directorate, as necessary;
- supporting the promotion of the ARTES CC programme and contributing to the ARTES socioeconomic impact analysis.
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
A master's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
- The potential to manage a team;
- The ability to organise your team’s activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
- Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
- The ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
- Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
- Strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
- The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.
People management experience would be an asset, as would international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be 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 the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.