Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Project Controller in the Project Control and Management Support Office (PMSO) of the Projects Department (EOP-P), Business Unit Controlling Office (EOP-B), Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
In this role, you will be responsible for project control activities supporting the Projects Department (EOP-P).
You will report to the Head of the assigned Programme Control Section for the PMSO of the Projects Department, while functionally supporting the project manager(s) of the assigned project(s).
Your primary duties will include overseeing cost, schedule and risk management for space segment development activities. You will provide essential support to project teams in managing their interfaces with international partners, as well as with ESA’s internal entities. This requires a thorough understanding of programmatic needs and an ability to deliver insightful analysis to support decision-making.
A key aspect of your role will be the preparation and monitoring of complex procurements, ensuring smooth progress from tendering to contract closure. This will involve extensive collaboration and negotiations with industrial partners and internal stakeholders. Your responsibilities will also include ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and monitoring progress to achieve project objectives efficiently and effectively. Through your contributions, you will play a critical role in enabling the success of space segment development activities, thereby contributing to ESA’s strategic goals.
You will be responsible for preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the projects and missions, including the space segment, payload, launch, ground segment and Agency-provided services. The programmatic aspects include costs, finance, schedules, logistics, configuration, documentation, progress monitoring and geographical return, as well as general project administration. Active monitoring is expected, identifying and reporting trends, deviations from plans, potential problem areas and proposing/implementing remedial actions in coordination with the project manager(s). Compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations is also expected.
Your tasks and responsibilities will also include:
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.
You must have previous professional experience as a controller in a project or programme setting, preferably gained in industry or at an agency. Substantial experience is essential in the application of project management and project control principles and advanced project control techniques, as well as in the preparation, negotiation and implementation of major industrial procurements. Engineering experience in a project or programme setting is considered an asset.
You should have a solid working background in the disciplines relating to the tasks described, including cost control, resource and activity planning, project management, risk management and procurement regulations. Good knowledge and/or understanding of the financial regulatory framework, financial accounting and auditing techniques, as well as space system architectures, is an asset.
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.
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.
