Head of the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Head of the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
Europe is entering into a decisive decade for space system innovation. Small satellites, CubeSats and microsatellites are no longer niche platforms; they are becoming strategic enablers for large constellations, resilient infrastructures, rapid innovation cycles, and even autonomous deep space exploration. As Head of the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division, you will be at the heart of this transformation.
You will lead ESA’s flagship capability for In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV), shaping how breakthrough technologies are flown, proven and transitioned into operational missions and commercial services. The Division brings together small satellite and CubeSat expertise, combining agility with system-level excellence to de-risk technologies that will define Europe’s future space capabilities.
This is a strategic leadership role, offering a unique opportunity to:
- define and implement ESA’s IOD/IOV vision and strategy;
- drive innovation across small satellites, CubeSats, microsats and constellation-relevant architectures;
- enable European industry to move faster, from laboratory to orbit and from demonstration to scale;
- empower highly motivated, multidisciplinary teams working at the cutting edge of space engineering.
The Division:
- defines, implements and manages in-orbit technology demonstration and validation missions based on smallsats and CubeSats, in coordination with the ESA programmes, pushing the boundaries of associated technology developments;
- supports ESA programmes and the European Commission in the validation of commercial in-orbit services and technologies.
Reporting to the Head of the Systems Department, as Head of the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division, you will play a vital role in driving innovation and supporting European industrial competitiveness.
In this leadership role, you will serve as ESA’s focal point for technology IOD/IOV strategy, fostering collaboration across all ESA directorates and programmes. You will develop state-of-the-art capabilities and techniques to efficiently implement small projects, based on smallsat or CubeSat platforms.
Finally, you will be responsible for the management of the Division, its resources and its activities. Special focus will be placed on developing skills within the team. In addition, you will be accountable within the Agency for the outcome of operational activities conducted within the Division’s technical domain.
Duties
Within the technical domain defined above, your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:
Strategy and coordination
- anticipating trends, promoting innovative R&D activities, and integrating emerging technologies into demonstration missions in coordination with other engineering domains in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality;
- defining the Directorate’s IOD/IOV strategy in line with the programme directorates’ and European industry’s needs;
- supporting the coordination of technology demonstration missions across the various programmes at ESA, engaging with European industry, research institutions, international partners and ESA Member States;
- organising and leading the Agency’s cross-directorate IOD/IOV coordination group.
Project preparation and management
- promoting, and preparing for approval by ESA, technology demonstration missions in line with the IOD/IOV strategy, as well as required R&D activities;
- in coordination with ESA programmes, promoting and preparing missions for approval by Member States;
- organising and overseeing the implementation of projects by the Division, ensuring that projects and R&D activities managed by the Division are delivered within budget and on schedule.
Support to project implementation
- providing system engineering and system management support to small mission projects managed by other ESA directorates.
R&D/technology management
- in line with anticipated technology trends and project needs, supporting definition of high-level roadmaps and the work plans of the TRP and GSTP programmes in the domain of IOD/IOV;
- promoting and implementing the Division’s contributions to ESA technology programmes and R&D activities.
Expertise in small mission implementation
- contributing to the continuous improvement of working procedures, tools, processes, expert working methods and delivery methods, including lessons learned and knowledge management, and to the reflection on the evolution of the Division’s role and activities;
- contributing to the (independent) technical assessment capability and supporting project reviews;
- representing the Agency in your area(s) of expertise within ESA and with external entities, such as industry and delegations;
- coordinating the dissemination of the Division’s results within and beyond ESA, in particular via conferences, workshops and R&D presentation days.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
A master’s degree in aerospace engineering or an equivalent discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
- proven experience in managing space projects in Phases C and D, up to and including flight;
- proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team in an international project setting;
- the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Division and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
- the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
- demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
- excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
- the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
- the ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process.
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.
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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the 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 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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
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.