Description

Head of the Ground Segment Multi-Mission Preparation Systems Section in the System and Applications Engineering Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations. 

Under the direct authority of the Head of the System and Applications Engineering Division, you will be responsible for the definition, implementation, acceptance and maintenance of mission preparation data systems. 

This includes, but is not limited to: 

• mission data systems (e.g. mission preparation systems, operational simulators);
• infrastructure data systems (e.g. SIMULUS, Generic Applications and Software Development Environment);
• multi-mission data systems and services provided for preparation and validation activities to missions;
• custom developments and application-specific data systems (e.g. operational simulators);
• innovation and standardisation. 

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• definition of the preparation systems requirements, in cooperation with the stakeholders;
• design of multi-mission systems evolution;
• definition and monitoring of the related industrial procurement contracts and service contracts; 
• acceptance of deliveries; 
• management of maintenance services related to the systems; 
• application of appropriate configuration management to the deployed systems; 
• management and support to the definition of the Division’s/Department’s policies related to development, user support, maintenance as well as systems and applications quality activities;  
• establishing an automated deployment framework, in cooperation with the Directorate’s operational IT; 
• studies, technology development activities, experimentation in laboratory, pre-development and in-orbit demonstration on related fields to bring innovation in multi-mission platforms for the benefit of missions/projects;  
• supporting standardisation activities; 
• defining and evolution of the baselines for the various information technology platforms that are used for mission systems; 
• contributing to the Division's Advanced Ground Software Application Laboratory; 
• promoting the adoption of innovative concepts, technologies and standards, including support to operational adoption of any developments conducted within the Division by the missions under the Section's responsibility; 
• planning, monitoring and controlling manpower/resources in the Section including assistance to the Head of Division for distribution of resources within the Division related to mission support as well as establishing cost-at-completion estimates for mission activities; 
• sharing staff expertise and allocation for specific projects within the Division.

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

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A Master's degree is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should also have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team of 5-7 experts; 
• 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;
• a 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 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;