Mission Manager

Job Requisition ID: 20641

Date Posted: 16 June 2026

Application Deadline: 7 July 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment : 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band : A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Mission Manager in the D2D Project in the LEO Satellites Programme Office of the Satellite Programmes Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

Reporting to the D2D Project Manager, you will be responsible for the management of the overall D2D mission, in particular the end-to-end system, ground and user segments.

You will manage a team of engineers specialised in telecommunications, and you will be supported by specialist engineers from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality and the Directorate of Operations.

For your first assignment, you will be responsible for all system and ground segment activities related to the ELEOSYS, SELYCE and SUNRISE Partnership Projects.

Non-terrestrial network connectivity for direct-to-device (D2D) presents one of the greatest potential growth opportunities in satcom. The objective of the D2D Partnership Projects is to design, develop, qualify, integrate and validate innovative satellite payload, platform and ground network technologies using ESA Member States’ supply chain solutions in a pre-operational system showcasing emerging D2D services.

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:
• Managing the end-to-end mission, including the procurement, specification, design, development, quali?cation, acceptance, deployment, on-ground verification and in-orbit validation of the system, including all its segments and services;
• Leading the definition, architecture, development, integration and validation of the system, including the ground and user segments as well as services, and ensuring alignment of mission performances with system engineering requirements;
• Interfacing with industry counterparts to review contractors’ plans, system specifications, baseline system design, analyses and budgets, as well as implementation of activities;
• Interfacing with industry counterparts to review the contractors’ concept of operations, trade-offs, design drivers, technical and performance indicators as well as system internal and external interfaces;
• Managing the transfer of the system to operations and supporting commissioning and routine operational phases, as well as evolutive maintenance and correction of in-orbit anomalies;
• Coordinating the technical activities for all system elements procurements, including technical specifications, service requirements and suppliers;
• Leading the preparation and implementation of all ESA corporate mission/system-level reviews, in cooperation with the project team. Supporting the other project team members in other lower-level project reviews;
• Representing the mission disciplines in reviews, milestones and cross functional coordination meetings;
• Supporting, as required, the industry tailoring of ECSS, international and industry standards, and leading their subsequent application;
• Managing the application of space debris, eco-design and security standards, in accordance with ESA’s applicable internal policies;
• Ensuring close coordination and support with other project team members and functions (such as Product Assurance and Safety, Platform and Payload);
• Processing non-conformances, software problem reports, waivers, deviations, requests for approval, anomalies and requirement closure data as well as supporting the evaluation of change notices within these terms of reference;
• Contributing to ESA procurement process (RfQ/ITT data pack, TEB, negotiations);
• Monitoring proactively the overall project schedule, identifying risks and problem areas, providing assessments and proposing mitigation actions from industry and ESA;
• Supporting the completion of system, ground and user segment activities within schedule, specifications and budget;
• Identifying challenges and opportunities associated with mission evolution and proposing corresponding updates to the mission architecture and interfaces;
• Identifying, leading and efficiently coordinating the CSC system team and the specialised engineering support needed from the Directorates of Technology, Engineering and Quality and Operations in the appropriate areas of expertise;
• Providing regular and ad hoc reporting to the Project Manager;
• Contributing to the Project’s communications and promotion activities.

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

Technical competencies
Several years of experience in satcom system, ground and user segment procurement, specification, design, development, verification and end-to-end validation, ideally in the area of satellite constellations

Experience with 5G/6G telecom networks, including large-scale ground software developments

Knowledge of the ESA procurement process and contract negotiation

Knowledge of space mission development and product assurance standards

Knowledge of complex project risk management, industrial costs and schedule control

Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education and professional experience
A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post together with 10 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

• Experience of managing a team of engineers in a project setting
• Experience of working in a cross-functional team and promoting innovation through a creative collaboration process
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills
• Ability to understand, and to clearly and concisely communicate complex technical issues to the team and external parties
• Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications prime contractor and/or operator would be a distinct advantage. Experience with ESA’s Partnership Projects would be an asset.

• The potential to manage individuals or a team in a project setting;
• The ability to organise their activities 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 results 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.

Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation.
Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, starting after approximately five years in this role.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

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. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at Se e-mailadresse på jobbank.dk .

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.