Job Description

ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Manager

Job Requisition ID: 20356

Date Posted: 9 March 2026

Closing Date: 30 March 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace:

Frascati, IT

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description

ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Manager in the ERS-EO Programme (European Resilience from Space – Earth Observation Programme), responsible for the management of the ERS-EO downstream activities.

The overall objective of the ERS-EO Programme is to prepare and accelerate the future implementation of EOGS (the EU Earth Observation Governmental Service) in close partnership with the EU and to gather together initiatives regarding dual-use Earth observation surveillance systems among ESA Member States.
The EOGS includes the EOGS-SM, a potential EU-owned constellation providing dedicated observation capacity to the EOGS.

The ERS-EO downstream activities comprise the definition and implementation of the EOGS‑SM ground segment framework, as well as the ground system architecture and associated functionalities enabling interoperability across all ERS‑EO downstream components, including the federated layer of national EO-related capabilities (FNOC) and the national space resilience nodes (SRN).

You will report to the ERS-EO Downstream and Applications Manager in the Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department.

Duties

Your duties will include:

managing the contribution to EOGS system-level activities across all downstream aspects;
managing the definition and implementation of the EOGS-SM ground segment framework within schedule and budget, based on an integrated approach covering all relevant domains, i.e. mission planning, flight operations, data generation and management and security operations coordination;
managing the architectural definition and the implementation of the ground system functionalities enabling interoperability across all ERS-EO downstream components, including the identification, definition and implementation of suitable interfaces and effective pooling and sharing mechanisms;
ensuring overall coherence across ERS-EO downstream-relevant activities, notably in terms of architectural, functional and technical consistency;
ensuring full alignment of the ERS-EO downstream implementation with the applicable security requirements;
managing coordination within ESA and with external stakeholders within the scope of the ERS-EO downstream activities;
managing all procurement actions relevant to the downstream activities, liaising as necessary with the relevant ESA internal services to ensure timely implementation of the resulting contracts;
managing the ERS-EO downstream resources, including allocation of responsibilities and coordination across the ERS-EO programme;
reporting on the status, progress criticalities and plans for the ERS-EO downstream activities;
identifying risks and mitigation actions relating to the ERS-EO downstream implementation, ensuring proactive management of technical, programmatic and security-related risks.

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

Technical competencies

Solid multidisciplinary knowledge of the technical and operational domains in the scope of the ERS-EO downstream activities, i.e. mission planning, flight operations, data generation and management, security operations coordination, systems interoperability and pooling and sharing

Strong experience in managing complex ground segment implementations, in particular in the Earth observation domain, together with substantial experience in security

Experience of ground segment operations, in particular for Earth observation missions

Good knowledge of ESA and industrial implementation and procurement processes

Good knowledge of security processes and frameworks and familiarity with security certification

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 a relevant engineering subject is required for this post.

Additional requirements

A minimum of ten years’ relevant experience is required for this post, as well as a high level of motivation and dedication, with the ability to take ownership and a proactive approach.

The ability to consistently maintain an overall system view while effectively managing multiple interfaces in an evolving context is considered an asset. Previous experience in the development of dual-use systems, preferably in the Earth observation domain, is a further asset.

You will also have:

The potential to manage individuals or a team;
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, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.