Description

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to ‘Empower Europe to lead space science’.

The Department for Science and Operations (SCI-S), within ESA’s Directorate for Science, host the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations; it develops the science operation systems for the missions and operates the missions in space; it archives and curates their data during operations and beyond. Our main objective is to maximise the scientific output of the missions for the benefit of humankind.

We are opening a position of Mission Manager under the direct responsibility of the Head of the Mission Operations Division (SCI-SO) in Science and Operations Department, with initial assignment to the Solar Orbiter mission (SCI-SOL).

The Mission Operations Division (SCI-SO) is responsible for the mission management of all Science Directorate missions from end of the commissioning phase to end of the post-operations phase.

The Solar Orbiter Mission Manager will, in the mid-term, also manage the ESA contributions to Solar and Heliosphere Mission of Opportunities (e.g. Solar-C) and collaborative missions with partner Agencies (e.g. SMILE) in their operations and post-operations phases.

Duties

If selected for this post, you will report to the Head of the Mission Operations Division, and have delegated responsibility for all operations aspects of the assigned mission during both the exploitation phase and post-operations phase.

As Mission Manager, the main duties will entail:

• managing all operations aspects of the exploitation phase (E2) and post-operations phase (Phase F) of the mission, within given programmatic and financial constraints, through the preparation and implementation of related project, budget and contractual plans, and the coordination and management of tasks delegated to other ESA Divisions, Departments and Directorates or outside ESA;
• managing the mission’s science operations team and center at ESA;
• overseeing the Science Ground Segment and the association of cooperating centres involved in the science operations of the mission with the overall aim of maximising the scientific return;
• understanding the continuously evolving data user needs and tuning the mission operations scenario accordingly to maximise the return on the mission;
• liaising with relevant programmatic, controlling, technical and scientific interfaces, including the Project Scientist, with the overall aim of ensuring the scientific productivity of the mission;
• actively support transverse department activities where relevant for missions in operations;
• reporting to the Member States on all matters related to the mission’s exploitation phase;
• as relevant, and operational workload permitting, pursuing personal scientific research.

As head of section, you will be responsible for the preparation of the transition of future Solar and Heliosphere Mission of Opportunities and collaborative missions to your section after the mission’s launch, in close collaboration with the other ESA stakeholders of these missions (Project Scientist, Development Manager), addressing in particular:

• The exploitation of synergies across science operations both in-flight and on ground.
• The definition of staff work assignments to avoid operational conflicts among the missions while establishing stable workloads.
• The simplification of external and internal interfaces, in particular with cross-mission groups within the SCI-S structure.
• The definition of a coherent approach within the section as input for the development and maintenance of the services and operational infrastructure serving the missions;
• The maximisation of science return by fostering cross-mission data exploitation.

The required managerial duties include:

• taking responsibility for delivering team results;
• providing direction, including the planning and distribution of team members’ activities;
• reviewing individual performance against set objectives through the annual assessment exercise and by providing timely and regular constructive feedback;
• creating a motivating work environment and promoting good team spirit;
• supporting team members with ongoing professional development by encouraging learning and
• delegating responsibilities.
• identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

The postholder will further assist the Head of Division with other activities as required.

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 degree is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should further have:

• The potential to manage individuals or a team of scientists and engineers;
• 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.