COSMIC Project Manager

 

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Description

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Space Safety Programme Office, you, as COSMIC Project Manager will be responsible for the implementation and delivery of the COSMIC activity area. As such, you will be responsible for the COSMIC funds, georeturn, risks, margins and schedules in cooperation with the Business Unit Control Office (OPS-B). For the implementation of individual COSMIC projects, you will cooperate with the Space Safety Programme Office (OPS-S: space weather, planetary defence, space debris and clean space) and the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department (OPS-G) as well as the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC). The COSMIC Project Management Office is responsible for securing the required functional support from outside OPS-S as well as for managing the related technical service contracts.

As COSMIC Project Manager, you will take ownership of the risks related to COSMIC. You will oversee the implementation of the Competitiveness segment in COSMIC and identify and prioritise the needs of COSMIC with respect to the Technology Programmes. Furthermore, you will assume the role of project manager for the tasks currently entrusted to ESA by the European Commission on space weather and NEO.

Duties

As COSMIC Project Manager, you will report to the Head of the Space Safety Programme Office.

You will be responsible for:

• the implementation and delivery of the COSMIC Programme Cornerstone;
• arrangements with OPS-S units providing expertise (space weather, planetary defence, space debris and clean space) as well as with OPS-G and TEC for the implementation of the individual COSMIC projects;
• managing the COSMIC funds, georeturn, risks, margins and schedules;
• the definition and decision regarding COSMIC workplan items at PB-SSA and the IPC;
• the implementation of the Competitiveness segment in COSMIC;
• service contracts providing test and validation services;
• the tasks currently entrusted to ESA by the European Commission on space weather and NEO;
• the provision of a centralised coordination function to agree on the functional reporting and/or entrusted tasks within the matrix (PA/QA, TEC);
• liaising with directorates (TEC) and departments (OPS-G) to which S2P COSMIC projects have been delegated;
• ownership of the COSMIC-wide risk management by reviewing, updating and critically assessing the risk register;
• custody over the COSMIC-wide implementation schedule on all major COSMIC projects;
• coordinating with the Business Unit Control Office for project controlling, risk tracking and georeturn management;
• coordinating with ESA directorates on industrial policy matters relevant to COSMIC;
• supporting the Head of the Space Safety Programme Office in the preparation of Programme Boards, bilaterals meetings, Council meetings at ministerial level and inputs for the European Union's next multiannual financial framework;
• identification and prioritisation of the needs of COSMIC with respect to the Technology Programmes;
• liaising with the coordination office on matters related to technology management and the management of academic workforce (such as for trainees, including ESA Graduate Trainees) and for communication/outreach activities.

 

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

Technical competencies

Strong background in all areas of project management, including risks, budgets and schedulesGood background in the procurement processes at ESA and the procedures of related boardsGood background in space debris, space weather, space traffic management and planetary defence as overarching technical disciplinesGood understanding of the industrial environment, including capabilities and capacities Good organisational skills and skills in cross-directorate management

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 aerospace engineering, physics or a general engineering discipline is required for this post together with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in systems engineering, including experience in mission studies and relevant technology development in various project phases;
• Familiarity with the functioning of the European Commission's Space Programme and its procurement processes;
• Knowledge of the European landscape and industrial capabilities in the relevant areas;
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and interface with institutional and commercial partners;
• Practical experience in project management in an ESA context is required.
• The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Project and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• 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.

 

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

 
Important Information and Disclaimer
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.