Head of the Navigation Support Office

Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Description

Head of the Navigation Support Office, Flight Dynamics Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.

You will report to the Head of the Flight Dynamics Division.

The Navigation Support Office develops and runs satellite-based precise navigation facilities, while providing support to projects requiring precise navigation expertise from an operational point of view in the ESA matrix organisation, as well as services to internal ESA and third-party customers. It also promotes innovation in this field for ground segment precise navigation applications by participating in scientific and technical networks, both in Europe and worldwide, and conducts leading-edge activities. The Office operates a state-of-the-art Precise Navigation Facility located at the ESA European Space Operations Centre (ESOC).

The Navigation Support Office carries out the following tasks:

• Management of a range of projects in the field of satellite-based precise navigation including reference frames and time reference, carried out on behalf of internal and external (third party) customers;
• Precise orbit determination to support navigation missions and third party customers;
• Maintenance and operation of the ESA IGS (International GNSS Service – Global Navigation Satellite Systems) Analysis Centre and the associated GNSS ground station network, along with participation in the management of the IGS and its research projects and working groups, as well as related international committees;
• Precise orbit determination and modelling in support of ESA and European missions ranging from LEO up to the Moon and involving on-board GNSS and other advanced tracking systems;
• Provision of leading ESA expertise in the field of space geodesy, including participation in the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS);
• Architecting the solutions needed to perform the above tasks and management of the Office’s industrial services;
• Definition and management of R&D under the relevant ESA technology programmes;
• Cooperation and interfacing with the other organisational areas, with the aim of fostering collaboration and collectively increasing overall benefits and ROI.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• managing the permanent staff of the Navigation Support Office (as line manager);
• managing the industrial service delivery contracts for both on-site services and procurement contracts;
• managing the third-party support contracts, ensuring user satisfaction, the fulfilment of contractual obligations and cost coverage;
• leading the definition, implementation, and maintenance of the Navigation Support infrastructure (hardware and software systems);
• consolidating matrix support for internal customers in different ESA directorates;
• increasing the Office’s customer base.

Technical competencies

Precise navigation

Precise orbit determination

Space geodesy

Reference frames and time reference

Orbital dynamics

Advanced estimation techniques

Software engineering and configuration management

Development of mission critical software systems

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in engineering, geodesy, physics or mathematics is required for this post, a doctorate is preferred.

Additional requirements

You should also have:

• the demonstrated capability to manage individuals or a team;
• the ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• the demonstrated capability to execute technical leadership of a team of experts in a service contract, project or R&D setting and also within international forums;
• 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 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 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.

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

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.

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations.

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 can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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Added 9 days ago - Updated 1 hour ago - Source: jobs.esa.int