Head of Secure Connectivity Payload Section

We are looking for a Head of the Secure Connectivity Payload Section in the Secure Connectivity Space Segment Office within the Secure Connectivity Programme Department in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications. The ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity, hereinafter referred to as “Secure Connectivity”, is intended to support the effective development and validation of the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure and the services provided by it, as well as the validation and demonstration of services based on the commercial infrastructure developed by the contractor(s) delivering the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure.

The Role: Reporting to the Head of the Secure Connectivity Space Segment Office, you will be responsible for all tasks relating to the design, development and deployment of the payloads of the Secure Connectivity Space Segment. Your main tasks and responsibilities will include management of the engineering activities relating to the design, development, qualification, acceptance and validation of the payloads of the Secure Connectivity Space Segment, including the payloads of any constellations within the Secure Connectivity system of systems, in accordance with the agreed schedule, cost and technical requirements, including implementation of the applicable security requirements.

Job Requirements: A master’s degree in engineering or physics is required. Extensive experience in communication payloads engineering, design, development and verification. Extensive experience in payload procurement, preferably for communication payloads. Previous experience working on multiagency cooperative programmes is an asset. Very good knowledge of active antennas and on-board processors for communication payloads is an asset.

Benefits: 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. 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.

Application Details: Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations. During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.