Head of the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department

We are the EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY, an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

The role: As the Head of the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, you will be reporting to the Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications (CSC). You will be responsible for the management of Service and System-driven CSC programmes within the Directorate, the management of Strategic Programmes Lines (SPLs), the management of the ARTES Core Competitiveness (CC) Programme Line, the management of the ARTES “Future Preparation” Generic Programme Line, and the management of the ARTES Partner Component A “Preparatory Activities”, as well as Market Intelligence and Business Development. You will lead the teams responsible for the Moonlight Programme, the Optical and Quantum Programme, the Safety and Security from Space Programme, the Civil Security from Space Programme, the 5G/6G NTN Programme, the Technology and Products and the Future Programmes.

Job requirements: You should have a master’s in engineering, physics or a scientific field. You should further have proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team of experts in a project and R&D environment; the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Department and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context; the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation; demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written; a proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces; excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills; the ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context; the ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process. People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

Applications details: 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. 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.