Increment Manager
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes.
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.
This post is classified A2–A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
With resident assignment to Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany
Description
ISS Increment Manager, Utilisation Planning Team, Research and Payloads Group, Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes.
Duties
Under the authority of the Utilisation Planning Team Leader, you will have overall responsibility for managing and coordinating the end-to-end preparation and implementation of the ESA activities for the specific ISS increments assigned to you.
These ESA activities relate to the Columbus module, including its payload facilities and the associated ground infrastructure as well as preparation and implementation services to support ISS operations.
You will be responsible for preparing, implementing and overseeing the execution of all ESA Columbus mission activities related to the assigned ISS increment and defined in the corresponding Increment Requirements Document (IRD), in close collaboration with the teams in the LEO Exploration Group. For increments defined in IRDs, the ESA Increment Manager represents the interface between utilisation management on the one hand and the implementation services on the other.
Specifically, your duties will include:
- defining and managing the activities required to implement ESA’s ISS requirements and the requirements for NASA payloads in the Columbus module for a specific increment;
- planning and implementing the increment reviews;
- coordinating and implementing the Certification of Flight Readiness process and undertakings for each flight/stage of the increment;
- acting as the operational interface with the ESA ISS Utilisation management during the preparation phase with respect to progress reporting, programmatic guidance and resolution of issues;
- carrying out the day-to-day management of the increment requirements and priorities for the increment undergoing implementation;
- directing the operational implementation and support teams during the execution phase of the specific increment, with ad hoc functional reporting to the LEO Exploration Group Lead and the Research and Payloads Group Lead;
- acting as the formal ESA interface with the NASA ISS Increment Manager and Launch Package Managers;
- managing the performance of the post-increment activities and preparation of the Post-Increment Report.
Other increment management-related tasks not linked to a specific increment may be allocated to you during periods in which there is no specific increment assignment, including identification of areas of improvement, collecting and responding to lessons learned, and suggesting potential changes to the increment-related processes.
The ISS Increment Manager team is also tasked with supporting the development of mission management concepts for non-ISS platforms (e.g. Gateway, post-ISS LEO platforms or lunar missions) based on previous experience. You may be asked to develop mission implementation plans, or to support mission integration, mission implementation and utilisation management.
In the future, you may also be assigned to specific non-ISS missions, e.g. mission to the Lunar Gateway or exploration-type missions. This might require a change of assigned location.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s in science or engineering is required for this post.
Additional requirements
During the selection, emphasis will be placed on sound knowledge of crewed mission preparation and implementation processes and concepts. Experience of working in crewed mission operations or engineering would be considered a strong asset. You will be required to have a high level of communication and coordination skills. The capability to solve complex problems under time pressure together with a strong focus on outcomes and results is essential.
You must be able to work in a highly complex project environment and to coordinate teams and operational entities spread across different countries. The ability to plan and organise efficiently is required, as are good communication skills.
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ
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.
The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.
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 email [email protected].
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
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*.
In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.
Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
