Secure Connectivity Lead Ground Segment System Engineer

Secure Connectivity Lead Ground Segment System Engineer in the Secure Connectivity Ground Segment and Operations Office (CSC-IG), within the Secure Connectivity Programme Department (CSC-I) in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications. The ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity, or Secure Connectivity or IRIS², 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 contractors delivering the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure. Reporting to the Head of the Secure Connectivity Ground Segment and Operations Office, you will be responsible for supervising all ground segment system engineering tasks related to the effective design and development of the overall IRIS² ground segment. Duties Your tasks and responsibilities will include: supervising the end-to-end lifecycle of technical requirements applicable to the IRIS² ground segment, including functional, performance, operational, service and security requirements; supervising and contributing to technical reviews relating to Secure Connectivity at ground segment level, providing independent expert recommendations on industrial designs, deliverables and technical compliance; supervising the implementation of ground segment activities, overseeing industry progress, and ensuring the application of modern technologies and best practices; ensuring end‑to‑end technical consistency in all procurement activities at segment level, ensuring fairness, transparency and objectivity in supplier evaluation processes, and coordinating segment security engineering activities with the Security Office; liaising closely with the System Office and the Space Segment Office, in particular concerning interfaces with the space segment, external systems, and activities outside the IRIS² system scope, as well as contributing to preparations for future generations of the constellation; preparing and overseeing engineering and R&D activities directly supporting the development, integration, validation and evolution of the IRIS² ground segment, providing supervisory‑level recommendations; monitoring schedules, risks and issues proactively, identifying critical areas for the ground segment, reviewing industrial mitigation measures, and providing recommendations to ESA management and the System Office; monitoring changes within the ground segment scope, ensuring configuration consistency, proper impact analysis and traceability of all modifications; supervising verification, validation and qualification activities at ground segment level, ensuring alignment with system‑level requirements and readiness for deployment and operations; coordinating a team of ESA and external personnel in the performance of their duties; in cases of delegated responsibility from project management, addressing programmatic aspects, including schedule and risk management; supporting interactions with delegations and partners as required.