Description

ARRAKIHS is a “Fast” (F-class) mission in ESA’s Science Programme. It was selected by the SPC in November 2022 and is aiming at a fast development schedule (four to five years from mission adoption to launch). ARRAKIHS aims to perform observational tests of the ΛCDM model, obtaining deep multi-band exposures of ultra-low surface brightness galaxies, thus enabling detailed and systematic studies of extended galaxy haloes.

Reporting to the Head of the Future Missions Department, you will be in charge of the mission phase A/B and, subject to the mission adoption by the SPC, of the phases C/D/E1, until the completion of the spacecraft in-orbit commissioning.

Duties

You will be responsible for the definition, manufacturing and launch of the spacecraft, including the follow-up of the ARRAKIHS instrument and the preparation of the spacecraft operations (MOC and SOC) with the support of ESOC and ESAC. You will be managing the interface between the project and the industrial and scientific community at large.

Your core task will be to lead the spacecraft development activities to ensure in-orbit performance within the schedule and budget targets. You will manage all spacecraft-related activities under ESA’s responsibility, with the support of your project team. These include:

• the spacecraft competitive definition phase A/B, nominally involving two industrial prime candidates, by following a design-to-cost approach, while preserving the mission’s core scientific objectives; this phase ends with the mission adoption by the SPC and the selection of the industrial prime contractor;
• the spacecraft procurement, launch and in-orbit commissioning (phases C/D/E1), which will conclude with the start of the nominal in-orbit operations;
• monitoring all aspects of the delivery of the science instrument by the national teams, including pre-developments in the phase A/B for securing the schedule, technical interfaces and engineering tasks;
• procuring the instrument elements under ESA’s responsibility;
• ensuring a smooth interface with the national agencies funding the payload;
• procuring the launch services;
• managing the ESA project team, including the project team in SCI-F and support provided by D/TEC and D/OPS;
• interfacing with the Project Scientist and SOC manager in SCI-S, and the MOC manager in D/OPS;
• managing the project’s budget, with the support of the SCI-M Project Controller;
• preparing inputs and reports for delegate bodies, such as the SPC and IPC.

As not all mission elements are under ESA’s direct responsibility, a proactive approach is required to anticipate potential problems occurring in the partnership and propose mitigating actions for safeguarding the mission’s general objectives. This includes complying with the schedule and project costs. Regular and ad hoc reporting to SCI-F is also required to ensure that the most appropriate solutions are chosen when critical decisions need to be made.

Managerial responsibilities include:

• defining and communicating a clear strategy for team objectives in line with overall project priorities;
• promoting an effective work environment by encouraging cooperation and collaboration within the team and with the various project interfaces;
• supporting team members with professional improvement and development.

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 PhD or master’s in engineering or applied physics is required.

Additional requirements

You must have the ability to:

• drive performance and foster cooperation within the team and across interfaces;
• anticipate, analyse and solve complex problems;
• reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions that are of a high standard;
• demonstrate integrity;
• build positive relationships with both the scientific communities and industrial partners involved.

You must also have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team of experts;
• proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team of experts;
• the ability to delegate where appropriate;
• excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
• a structured and effective approach to planning and organisation, both for your own responsibilities and those of the team.