MetOp-SG Payload Manager

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

Description

Meteorological Operational Second Generation (MetOp-SG) is a collaborative programme together with EUMETSAT for six low Earth orbiting meteorological satellites. This covers two series of satellites with three satellites in each series. The Satellite-A series carries visible / infrared imagers, infrared / microwave sounders, a radio occultation sounder and the Sentinel-5 instrument and the Satellite-B series carries microwave imagers, an active C-band scatterometer, a radio occultation sounder and a data collection payload. Both the first Satellite-A and Satellite-B launches are planned in 2025.

The holder of this post will manage the Payload of the MetOp-SG Project (covering both the development and recurrent instruments) and will report to the Meteorological Project Manager, Meteorological Programmes, Earth Observation Projects Department, Earth Observation Directorate.

Duties

The main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• management of industrial activities for the end-to-end procurement of the MetOp-SG-developed instruments (MWS, 3MI, RO, MWI, ICI, SCA), covering both the development and recurrent instruments, within the agreed technical specifications, cost and schedule;
• complete delivery and acceptance of the remaining instrument flight models;
• consolidation and maintenance of the instrument requirements for the MetOp-SG-developed instruments, ensuring coherence with the EUMETSAT mission/operations requirements and MetOp-SG satellite performances and constraints;
• coordination with other MetOp-SG teams to ensure consistency of requirements, testing and performances (including end-to-end instrument performance) with payload needs;
• provision of the payload algorithms, instrument data simulator and ground processor prototypes for acceptance by EUMETSAT;
• management of payload anomalies, repairs, waivers, including adequate spares approach; 
• secure adequate on-time support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality;
• preparation and completion of the payload in-orbit verification;
• preparation for the recurrent long term storage of instruments as well as the necessary recalibration of instruments;
• provision of regular reporting on progress, issues, risks and schedule to the MetOp-SG Project Manager;
• management of the payload team, including the definition of day-to-day tasks and objectives as well as the setting of annual performance objectives and their assessment (including training needs), and ensuring the motivation and commitment of staff towards the Project's goals.

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

Requirements:

Technical competencies

Hands-on experience in the design, development, testing of complex earth observation instruments

Management and delivery of instruments within performance, cost and schedule

Experience of managing technical interfaces within the ESA project team, industry and EUMETSAT

Experience in satellite in-orbit commissioning and performance verification methodologies

Experience in multi-agency cooperative projects

Experience in risk management process

Education

A master's in an engineering or scientific discipline is required.

Additional requirements

Previous experience working on a multi-agency, cooperative programme is an advantage. Furthermore, candidates should have:

• the ability to organise team activities and ensure a motivating work environment; 
• strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• the ability to drive the team’s performance, developing 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;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively;
• good oral, written and presentational communication skills.

For more information please click Apply.

Closing Date:  16 November 2023 23:59 CET/CEST

Salary Benefits:

The people who work at ESA are key to our success and are our most valuable asset. As an employer, we are committed to developing our staff throughout their career at ESA. We have put in place an attractive employment package to take care of our people in both their professional and personal lives and to offer a truly inclusive and supportive working environment.

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.

We are the European Space Agency.

Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring and unique space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are a family of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment.