Head of Process Improvement and Intelligent Manufacturing

Description

Head of Process Improvement and Intelligent Manufacturing, Value Chain Assessment and Assets Management, Infrastructure and Value Chain, Directorate of Space Transportation (D/STS).

You will report directly to the Head of Value Chain Assessment and Assets Management. Leading the Ariane 6 transition process improvement activities, you will be responsible for identifying and implementing improvement measures and state-of-the art technologies in the manufacturing, assembly, integration and logistics of European launchers.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of Value Chain Assessment and Assets Management, you will be responsible for identifying and implementing improvement measures and state-of-the art technologies in the manufacturing, assembly, integration and logistics of European launchers. You will play a vital role in driving innovation, increasing the resilience of manufacturing, assembly, integration and test, increasing the competitiveness of European launchers and implementing artificial intelligence, advanced simulation, sustainability engineering and digital transformation.

In particular, you will be responsible for the following:

• identifying cost drivers, critical processes and improvement measures in the manufacturing, assembly, integration and logistics of European launchers; 
• challenging requirements, focusing on real needs only;
• reviewing current launcher manufacturing processes and identifying supply chain optimisations and further improvement potential to deploy intelligent automated manufacturing capabilities, including robot cutting and 3D printing, so as to reduce time to market and increase efficiency; 
• identifying and cultivating potential synergies, for example the reuse of material, bolts and manufacturing techniques;
• collecting, assessing and summarising information on trends relating to state-of-the-art and sustainable infrastructure;
• driving innovation and enhancing production efficiency and resilience through artificial intelligence, for example for machine learning and predictive maintenance and on-board and on-ground flight data processing;
• developing an artificial intelligence strategy for European launcher manufacturing;
• coordinating with stakeholders to share best practices across ESA to maximise the adoption of intelligent automation, artificial intelligence and effective sustainable technologies; 
• linked to the above, representing D/STS in the ESA task force on digitalisation and artificial intelligence;
• leading the Ariane 6 and P120C process improvement activities;
• taking responsibility for the energy and environmental footprint strategy for European launcher manufacturing, including a new hydrogen vessel for shipping launcher elements to the spaceport;
• providing strategic support to make launcher infrastructure and its logistics resilient against emerging issues;
• identifying sustainability trends and adapting them to market regulations;
• enhancing launcher environmental monitoring capabilities by implementing an advanced AI technology model that analyses integrated satellite and ground-based sensor data;
• estimating European launcher carbon footprint, energy security and energy cost savings;
• proposing meaningful carbon footprint reduction initiatives, such as a transition to low-carbon energy supply, decarbonisation and the effective use of sustainable products and methods that address social impacts and improve returns;
• proposing relevant measures, methods and practices necessary to achieve sustainability goals;
• modelling and simulation of production processes and launcher components, including real-time test bench technology, system verification software and ground support equipment;

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• implementing a scalable and modular digital twin from critical fixed assets to full production lines, as well as components critical to the overall launcher;
• liaising with relevant technology expert groups;
• establishing good working relationships and technical networks with industry and other organisations both within and external to the Agency;
• identifying relevant smart factory solutions to support maintenance at all levels, delivering continuous connectivity that enables self-optimisation and deploying predictive and prescriptive maintenance for critical assets and other state-of-the-art technologies;
• leading the set-up of a master schedule to follow the Ariane 6 MAIT up to H0, supported by the Operating Planning and BUC Office (STS-B);
• increasing the resilience of the end-to-end supply chain; 
• collecting information on and assessing relevant risks relating to the manufacturing of Ariane 6.

At managerial level, your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• maintaining state-of-the-art expertise within the Section;
• accountability to the hierarchy for all daily matters within the Section;
• supporting teamwork, the exchange of experience and lessons learned and the gathering of feedback;
• contributing to the continuous improvement of working procedures, tools, processes, expert working methods and delivery methods;
• communicating ESA values and ensuring compliance with all ESA policies.

 
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility. 

Technical competencies

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 computer engineering, space system engineering, physics or another relevant subject is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• strong experience in modern engineering methods;
• demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
• excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity and to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process.
• the potential to manage individuals or a team; 
• the ability to organise their 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 results 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 is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.