Frequency Management Officer
Lead frequency management for ESA missions and coordination with international regulations.
Overview
Lead frequency management for ESA missions and coordination with international regulations.
You have:
- A master's degree in engineering or physics is required for this post together with 3 years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience in analysis and simulation of complex systems.
- Good communication skills (particularly in a multi-cultural environment) and ability to work in a team.
- Systems understanding and strategic thinking are considered important.
Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Description
Frequency Management Officer in the ESA Frequency Management Office (FMO), Space Safety Programme Department, Directorate of Operations.
The ESA FMO is responsible for the frequency management of all ESA missions from the initial planning phase to routine mission operation until the end of mission.
The ESA FMO leads the Agency’s participation in the meetings of the radiocommunication sector of the International Telecommunication Union, including the World Radiocommunication Conferences, the Space Frequency Coordination Group and other international regulatory bodies dealing with frequency management.
Duties
You will report to the Head of the ESA Frequency Management Office, and your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- supporting the development of the Agency’s frequency management policy and ensuring its implementation in accordance with the provisions of the International Telecommunication Union;
- interfacing with ESA satellite projects in the various directorates to consult on the Radio Regulations and assign them the frequencies required for their missions;
- filing and coordinating RF-related aspects of new ESA missions and handling the operational coordination of flying missions;
- carrying out the domestic and international coordination of the ESA Tracking Network with existing and planned terrestrial services;
- interfacing with frequency regulators in ESA stations' host countries for the related bilateral agreements and for obtaining the necessary frequency licences;
- supporting the Head of Office in defining and implementing the strategy to achieve the changes in the ITU Radio Regulations required to support the needs of future ESA programmes;
- participating, as needed, in the work of technical committees in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) and the Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG), and conducting studies to support ESA's position in these committees;
- implementing all contracts associated with the S2P programme and reporting on related matters to PB-SSA;
- contributing to the ESA internal activities related to frequency management and interfacing with the individual contact points from the various ESA directorates.
Technical competencies
General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
Experience in satellite frequency selection, international coordination, ITU filing and ground stations licensing
Experience in ITU, CEPT and SFCG meetings, structures and procedures
Experience in satellite communication systems, propagation and radio frequency compatibility analyses
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Education and professional experience
A master's degree in engineering or physics is required for this post together with 3 years of relevant professional experience.
Additional requirements
- Experience in analysis and simulation of complex systems.
- Good communication skills (particularly in a multi-cultural environment) and ability to work in a team.
- Systems understanding and strategic thinking are considered important.
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 [email protected].
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.
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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with frequency management and international regulations? | The interviewer is assessing your direct experience and knowledge in the relevant field. | Discuss specific projects or responsibilities involving frequency management and coordination with international bodies. |
| How do you approach coordination with international organizations like the ITU? | The interviewer wants to understand your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate complex environments. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to analyze complex systems? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you have worked in a multicultural team? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Discuss a time when you had to implement a strategic change in your work. How did you handle it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What challenges have you faced in satellite frequency selection? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay updated on emerging trends in satellite communications? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience attending ITU or CEPT meetings. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |