Description

Head of the Space Weather and OPS-SAT Space Lab Mission Operations Unit in the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations.

The Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division is responsible for the management, design, implementation and operations of the mission operations ground segment and the spacecraft operations of astrophysics science and selected space safety missions, typically from the start of phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of mission, as well the OPS-SAT Spacelab. The Unit also provides operations expert matrix support to ESA programmes.

Duties

You will be assigned the role of Head of the Space Weather and OPS-SAT Space Lab Mission Operations Unit, reporting hierarchically to the Head of the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division. You will be responsible for the management, definition, design, implementation and execution of the mission operations ground segment and the spacecraft operations of the missions allocated to the Unit. The Head of Unit is normally supported by a team of Spacecraft Operations Engineers and industrial service team(s) in discharging the Unit’s duties.

The Head of Unit usually assumes the role of Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM) of the mission(s) entrusted to the Unit. Where applicable, the Head of Unit may be supported by Spacecraft Operations Manager(s) who are appointed formally and assist the Head of Unit in implementing the related tasks if applicable.

Your main duties will include:

• managing the staff of the Unit, allocating the required support to the mission(s) implemented within the Unit;
• managing (at a technical level) the industrial services associated with the Unit, taking technical responsibility with respect to the service provider(s);
• analysing, in coordination with the ground segment and project teams, the project requirements in order to develop the operations concept that will support the definition of the implementation plan(s) of the mission(s) allocated to the Unit;
• conducting mission operations studies and devising mission operation concepts and their evolution in support of the above activities;
• defining detailed requirements for the ground systems to be developed to support the spacecraft operations of the missions assigned to the Unit, and validating these systems for the Unit’s mission(s);
• participating with the Project Team in the definition and implementation of the space segment, particularly regarding interfaces with the ground segment, operability and maintainability;
• managing the industrial in-flight support provided by the prime contractor to routine mission operations, if applicable;
• conducting operations during critical mission phases (launch and early orbit, mission disposal/termination, etc.) under the overall responsibility of the Flight Operations Director;
• conducting all commissioning and routine flight/mission operations through to the end of mission, including mission planning, execution, reporting, anomaly investigation and resolution, evaluation and long-term analysis both of the ground segment and spacecraft performance, and onboard software maintenance as required;
• providing expert and functional support to ESA programmes and activities (for example as Operations Architect) in the area of mission operations, ground and system validation, and space-to-ground interfaces, in line with ESA’s matrix organisation;
• interfacing with other areas within the Agency, industry, the user community, external operations centres and agencies for all aspects related to mission operations.

As required, you, as Head of Unit, will assist the Head of Division in discharging the Division’s mandate and preparing for new missions to be operated by the associated Unit(s)/Division. This may include the delegation of the management of ground segment development and/or mission operations and the associated cost and schedule or assignments of specific operational roles (e.g. as Flight Operations Director), participation in reviews, preparation and operation of other missions delegated to the Unit, Division or Department, or support for other Directorate or ESA activities.

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 or a higher academic qualification in a relevant technical domain (such as engineering or physics) is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Experience with ground segment and mission operations across different mission phases, including critical and routine phases, is required.
• System level knowledge of science missions, specifically in the area of astrophysics, would be a strong asset.
• Flexibility and adaptability are required to deal with a multi-subject/multi-project operational environment.
• The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts in a project or R&D setting.
• 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.

Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation. Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, starting after approximately five years in this role.