MetOp-SG Payload Manager
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation 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
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Meteorological Operational Second Generation (MetOp-SG) is a collaborative programme together with EUMETSAT for six low Earth orbiting meteorological satellites. This covers two series of satellites with three satellites in each series. The Satellite-A series carries visible / infrared imagers, infrared / microwave sounders, a radio occultation sounder and the Sentinel-5 instrument and the Satellite-B series carries microwave imagers, an active C-band scatterometer, a radio occultation sounder and a data collection payload. Both the first Satellite-A and Satellite-B launches are planned in 2025.
The holder of this post will manage the Payload of the MetOp-SG Project (covering both the development and recurrent instruments) and will report to the Meteorological Project Manager, Meteorological Programmes, Earth Observation Projects Department, Earth Observation Directorate.
Duties
The main tasks and responsibilities will include:
- management of industrial activities for the end-to-end procurement of the MetOp-SG-developed instruments (MWS, 3MI, RO, MWI, ICI, SCA), covering both the development and recurrent instruments, within the agreed technical specifications, cost and schedule;
- complete delivery and acceptance of the remaining instrument flight models;
- consolidation and maintenance of the instrument requirements for the MetOp-SG-developed instruments, ensuring coherence with the EUMETSAT mission/operations requirements and MetOp-SG satellite performances and constraints;
- coordination with other MetOp-SG teams to ensure consistency of requirements, testing and performances (including end-to-end instrument performance) with payload needs;
- provision of the payload algorithms, instrument data simulator and ground processor prototypes for acceptance by EUMETSAT;
- management of payload anomalies, repairs, waivers, including adequate spares approach;
- secure adequate on-time support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality;
- preparation and completion of the payload in-orbit verification;
- preparation for the recurrent long term storage of instruments as well as the necessary recalibration of instruments;
- provision of regular reporting on progress, issues, risks and schedule to the MetOp-SG Project Manager;
- management of the payload team, including the definition of day-to-day tasks and objectives as well as the setting of annual performance objectives and their assessment (including training needs), and ensuring the motivation and commitment of staff towards the Project’s goals.
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
Education
A master’s in an engineering or scientific discipline is required.
Additional requirements
Previous experience working on a multi-agency, cooperative programme is an advantage. Furthermore, candidates should have:
- the ability to organise team activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
- strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
- the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
- the ability to drive the team’s performance, developing 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;
- a strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions;
- the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively;
- good oral, written and presentational 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.
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.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
