4S Implementation Manager

Job Requisition ID:  20700
Date Posted:  25 June 2026
Closing Date:  16 July 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication:  Internal & External
Type of Appointment 4 years, extendable to indefinite
Directorate:  Connectivity and Secure Communications
Workplace: 

Noordwijk, NL Toulouse, FR

Grade Band A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  or CST, Toulouse, France

Description

4S Implementation Manager in the Safety and Security from Space Programme Office in the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The 4S (Space Systems for Safety and Security) Strategic Programme Line (SPL) is one of the three strategic areas of ESA’s ARTES telecommunications programme. It focuses on next-generation satellite communications solutions serving sensitive governmental needs and/or supporting infrastructure and applications that are critical for our society, economy, security and international influence and thus strongly emphasise security, robustness, resilience and sovereignty in their design, manufacturing, deployment and operations. Specific attention is being placed on increasing ESA Member States’ capabilities and portfolios of competitive technologies and solutions in all aspects relating to cyber security, protection and resilience of our space-based systems, networks and services.  

In this context, 4S strategy is implemented both by partnering with industry to increase its competitiveness and ability to deliver world-leading 4S solutions in a timely manner and by defining, setting up and implementing relevant additional ESA-initiated activities and projects.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of the Safety and Security from Space Programme Office, who also fulfils the role of 4S Strategic Programme Line Manager, you will work in close collaboration with the 4S System Architect. Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

  • establishing, overseeing and reporting on the implementation of activities funded under the 4S Strategic Programme Line, ensuring compliance with applicable ESA rules, processes, procurement policies and ARTES requirements;
  • managing the procurement process for 4S activities, including the preparation and implementation of industrial activities, and ensuring alignment with agreed objectives, budgets and schedules;
  • coordinating the teams involved in the implementation of 4S activities and projects, ensuring effective planning, execution, monitoring and internal reporting, including reporting to the JCB as required;
  • managing the implementation of GOVSATCOM tasks entrusted to ESA under the Contribution Agreement with the European Commission, including coordination with relevant ESA organisational units and preparation of reports required under the Agreement, in cooperation with project controllers;
  • ensuring proactive coordination with colleagues across the units and departments of the Directorate of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity, the Security Office, the Directorate of Strategy, Legal and External Matters, the Directorate of Commercialisation and Industry Partnership, the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, and other relevant directorates and units, including for staffing support and the use of ESA laboratories and facilities;
  • maintaining effective interfaces with industry, institutional bodies, national delegations and other external stakeholders as necessary to support the implementation of the 4S Strategic Programme Line strategy and related actions;
  • coordinating the activities of the 4S Advisory Committee, including liaising with the Chair and members, preparing meeting content and involving internal and external experts as required;
  • supporting the 4S Strategic Programme Line Manager in updating the 4S Strategic Plan and preparing future inputs relevant for the Council meeting at ministerial level, including the identification of new opportunities and the proposal of implementation options for major activities and projects.

Technical competencies

Knowledge and/or experience of multi-disciplinary technical fields in your area of responsibility
Knowledge of and/or experience in governmental and commercial satcom markets, applications, solutions and technologies, with specific relevance to 4S domains, including space-based solutions designed to meet stringent security, resilience and sovereignty requirements
Knowledge of and/or experience in the management of industrial activities, implementing and driving R&D and/or industrial activities, as well as knowledge of ESA R&D programmes
Knowledge of ESA procurement processes, including experience in supporting industrial procurement activities
Experience in the implementation of multi-agency/-stakeholder cooperative programmes and activities

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 and professional experience

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

You should have experience in implementing projects or activities, preferably in telecommunications and especially in satellite communications. This includes setting up projects or activities using innovative approaches when required, and implementing them in accordance with performance objectives, schedules and budget.

The following will be considered assets for this position:

  • Ability to foster team cohesion;
  • Ability to organise yourself and help organise the team’s work;
  • Negotiation skills, as well as proven relationship management and communication skills;
  • Strong demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
  • Strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing.

Frequent travel to other ESA establishments is required.

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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. 

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.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. 

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.  


At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.