Optical Communication Technology Manager
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
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
Optical Communication Technology Manager within the ScyLight Strategic Programme Line (SPL) in the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department within the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
Reporting to and working closely with the Optical and Quantum Communication ScyLight Programme Manager, you will be responsible for the development, maintenance and evolution of technical recommendations integral to the strategic execution of the ScyLight optical communication SPL. Serving as the primary point of contact for industrial, institutional and academic collaborations in the formulation of new initiatives, you will also oversee their implementation through delegation to a dedicated implementation team. To fulfil these duties effectively, you will engage with industrial and institutional partners, collaborate with various ESA directorates and engage with national delegates from ESA Member States or international space agencies as required.
You will also take the lead in the preparation and coordination of the ScyLight Optical and Quantum Communication Roadmap within ESA. This roadmap, a critical component of the ARTES ScyLight SPL, will serve as the guiding document for the establishment and execution of ScyLight work plans throughout the programme’s duration.
In addition to these responsibilities, you will support optical and quantum technology endeavours across ESA directorates and other programmes, including initiatives such as HydRON and SAGA.
Duties
You will contribute to moving the strategy of the ScyLight optical and quantum communication SPL into implementation by:
• preparing action plans and the development of the ScyLight Optical and Quantum Communication Technologies roadmap in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders;
• transforming the ScyLight Optical and Quantum Communication Technologies roadmap into executable ScyLight SPL work plans;
• overseeing the implementation and coordination of the various activities included in the SPL work plan;
• coordinating industry-initiated projects under the ScyLight optical and quantum communication SPL;
• following up on and/or initiating related standardisation activities/initiatives;
• evaluating upcoming responses to ESA ScyLight ITTs and industry-initiated proposals under ScyLight, as required;
• following up on trade-offs between different concepts/technologies to optimise the end-to-end system, as required;
• monitoring and assessing the activities in the domain performed by industry and other agencies worldwide;
• coordinating the preparation of upcoming ESA-led demonstration projects such as HydRON, as required;
• managing the setup of optical test facilities, optical ground equipment and optical ground stations, as required under the ScyLight programme;
• coordinating activities in support of the SAGA project under ARTES 4S, including support for reviews as needed;
• supporting the Optical and Quantum Communication ScyLight Programme Manager in:
– setting up industrial and international cooperation initiatives as required;
– preparing regular technical, programmatic and financial reporting to ESA management and national delegations;
– preparing promotional material and presentations for the ScyLight programme.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s in physics or engineering, ideally with a focus on optical and quantum communication technologies, is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Direct experience of working with the commercial telecommunications industry and a telecoms operator would be a distinct advantage.
Experience in public-private partnership projects would be an asset.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate a team of supporting experts and work effectively in an international team environment.
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.
