Job Description

ERS-EO System Manager

Job Requisition ID: 20331

Date Posted: 19 February 2026

Closing Date: 12 March 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

European Resilience from Space — Earth Observation (ERS-EO) System Manager, reporting to the ERS-EO Architecture and Upstream Manager within the Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

You will be responsible for the execution of the system activities of Element 1 of the ERS-EO Programme and the preparation of the Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS).

You will liaise closely with the Ground Segment Department in relation to the ground segment architecture, the Future Systems Department for preparation of EOGS space missions, the European Commission’s DG DEFIS for EOGS definition, the European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen) in relation to secured platform definition, and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) in relation to security architecture to ensure that a coherent and advanced EOGS system can be achieved.

The implementation of the system activities of ERS-EO Element 1 will be carried out by a multifunctional team, including a system architect, a security engineer and an end-to-end performance engineer, who will report to you hierarchically or functionally.

You will also report functionally to the ERS System of Systems Manager within the Directorate of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity to ensure implementation of synergies throughout the three pillars of ERS: EOGS, LEO PNT and IRIS² evolution.

Duties

Your specific responsibilities and duties will include:

achieving convergence of the EOGS system architecture with the key external stakeholders (DG DEFIS, SatCen, EUSPA and Member States) and your internal counterparts (the ERS-EO Downstream and Services Manager, the ERS-EO Satellite Study Manager, the ERS-EO Security Manager and the IOD/IOV Manager) to form a consistent set of components ensuring the operational nature of EOGS and the fulfilment of the EOGS high-level user needs;
procurement and technical management of the system activities of Element 1 of ERS-EO, including the EOGS architecture study and the technical operational simulator, in accordance with the agreed technical specifications, cost and schedule;
management of the industrial contracts relating to your area of responsibility and interfacing with industry for all project matters;
representation of the project for all system-level discussions with DG DEFIS, SatCen and EUSPA;
identification and management of interfaces and synergies with the ERS System of Systems, particularly in relation to the overall security architecture, the transport layer definition — especially in the IOD/IOV — and the performance simulation (integration of EOGS and IRIS² evolution simulators);
management of your multifunctional team and associated support from the Directorates of Earth Observation Programmes, Technology, Engineering and Quality, Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness and Operations, ensuring that all appropriate information is available to all participants so that they can discharge their responsibilities efficiently within the agreed framework;
identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of and experience in space system performance, design, development, integration, verification and testing

Proven experience of managing space project development

Knowledge of industrial cost and schedule aspects

Complex project risk management processes

Familiarity with procurement aspects

Knowledge of EO space mission operations and operations planning

Knowledge of the specific features of military and dual-use space systems

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education

A master’s degree in engineering or a scientific discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have:

the ability to summarise complex information and good communication skills, both verbal and written;
knowledge of handling restricted or classified information;
the ability to work effectively in an international team environment.

You should also have:

The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts in a project setting;
The ability to organise individual and team 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;
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 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.

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
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 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.