Head of the Space Segment Section in Harwell

Closing Date: 30 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications

Location: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description: In this role, you will be responsible for managing activities devoted to the development of telecommunication space segment technology and products.

Duties:

• Initiating, implementing and managing activities devoted to the development of satellite space (payload and platform) segment technology and products for the satellite communication market funded by ARTES Industrial Competitiveness (IC), as well as by the Strategic Programme Lines;
• Providing regular technical, programmatic and financial reporting to ESA management and ESA Member State delegations;
• Managing the Section, including the preparation of manpower plans and resource requirements;
• Providing engineering support to projects and activities with an emphasis on the adoption of innovative and disruptive technologies in the satellite communication domain;
• Identifying and defining technology needs for future satellite communication space segment products and their associated roadmaps;
• Coordinating the required support provided by other ESA organisational units;
• Supporting the preparation of the yearly ESA-initiated ARTES workplans;
• Establishing close collaboration with other functional elements of the Department and Directorate as necessary;
• Supporting the promotion of the ARTES IC programme and the ARTES socioeconomic impact analysis;
• Supporting the development and maintenance of dashboards for the monitoring and control of internal resources.

Experience in managing and monitoring technology and product development activities carried out by industry for satellite communication applications. Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes. Knowledge of the satcom market and associated technology trends in the space segment domain. Background in the technical domains covered by the position. Experience of interacting with the space industry, ESA Member State delegations and stakeholders.

Result Orientation, Operational Efficiency, Fostering Cooperation, Relationship Management, Continuous Improvement, Forward Thinking.

A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 8 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:

• The potential to manage individuals or a team;
• The ability to organise individual and team 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;
• A 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 is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities. Experience in managing complex research and development programmes, preferably in the telecommunications domain, is desirable.

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.

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.