ExPeRT Team Leader

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.

The ExPeRT Team Leader has the following responsibilities:

• Planning and implementing – within schedule and budget – preparatory system and concept studies, emphasising commonalities, for all ESA exploration destinations: LEO, Moon and Mars; • Planning and implementing – within schedule and budget – technology development activities derived from the system and concept study prioritisation; • Applying new and fast-track ways of technology maturation, such as challenge-based demonstrations, supported by the Commercialisation and Innovation Team; • Liaising with the ENDURE lead for the nuclear power activities for implementation in the relevant projects; • Working closely with the Software and AI lead to reinforce all appropriate initiatives; • Establishing strong links with the Human Exploration Enabling Science Team and the Space Medicine Team to augment cross-discipline synergies; • Promoting as a priority, technology commonalities between all three HRE exploration destinations and beyond; • Identifying new areas of common interest with other Programme Directorates (especially Space Transportation, Science and Operations) and coordinating selected activities; • Identifying international cooperation areas, with the support of the European and international stakeholders lead; • Coordinating in close interaction with the HRE Strategy lead, Destination Team leads and Human Exploration lead on the one side and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) on the other, low-/mid-TRL studies by Basic Activities (BA) and General Support Technology Programmes (GSTP) in line with the exploration system and concept study priorities identified, thereby:

• acting as a point of contact for the Directorate on matters related to ESA’s BA and GSTP; • as part of ESA’s end-to-end process for technology development coordinated by D/TEC, leading the preparation of a cross-agency, multi-directorate exploration technology roadmap and delivery plan in line with HRE’s needs; • chairing the TECNET-EXP Working Group and representing D/HRE in other TECNET and related forums; • Managing to completion all legacy/ongoing technology and study activities (such as MREP, METERON and MELiSSA) and incorporating their outcomes into future technology planning and implementation as relevant; • Leading the development of Spaceship EAC, Toulouse and ECSAT in line with the technology development priorities and promoting the creation of new Spaceships; • Supporting HRE senior management for interactions with delegations, international partners’ agencies, and the preparation of programme proposals for Council meetings at ministerial level.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

A master's in engineering is required for this post. You should also have proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team; the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams 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.

Previous people management experience would be an asset, as would international experience, i.e. outside your home country, and experience in various functional areas relevant to ESA’s activities.

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations. The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.