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

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.