Novacom II Platform Manager

The NOVACOM II Platform Manager in the NOVACOM II Project within the Partnership and Opportunity Satellites Programme in the Connectivity and Secure Communication Directorate. Novacom II supports the development of a new product line for geostationary satellites, providing customers with unprecedented flexibility for video broadcasting and broadband connectivity services by enabling the instant reconfiguration of missions and services in orbit.

Reporting to the Novacom II Project Manager, you will be responsible for monitoring the performance and engineering aspects of the satellite platform and monitoring coherence at platform level, including end-to-end performances when under ESA responsibility. You will serve as the focal point and local day-to-day interface with the prime contractor for the Novacom II Partnership Project. You will support the development of a long-term partnership with the industrial partner by fostering reliable technical collaboration and contributing to new innovation developments and digitalisation procurement.

Your main tasks and duties will include: developing and validating, in partnership with the industry team, innovative platform subsystems/equipment for integration into the Space Inspire new generic product line, up to product line on-ground qualification; managing, with the industrial prime contractor, the Novacom II subsystem and equipment reviews; participating in all major system reviews as the lead platform engineering representative of the ESA team; monitoring Novacom II product line competitiveness; contributing to the maintenance of the project risk register; monitoring the progress and achievements of the project milestones; contributing to regular technical, programmatic and financial reporting to ESA management and the participating States; contributing to new satellite equipment and systems development as well as digitalisation procurement in conjunction with industry; promoting European space system technology development; ensuring the coherence between the subsystem/equipment and the overall system, including the end-to-end performances when under ESA responsibility; managing a team of engineers and specialised engineering support from the ESA Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate.

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 a relevant engineering discipline is required. Experience in working in complex space programmes up to launch and in-orbit testing, preferably in the telecommunications domain, is desirable. Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications industry and operator would be a distinct advantage. Experience in partnership projects would be an asset. A good command of spoken and written French would be a strong asset. You should also have: the potential to manage individuals or a team in a project setting; the ability to organise the activities of others 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; strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing; the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused. People management experience would be an asset, as would international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.