Job Description

Space Weather Project Manager

Job Requisition ID: 20374

Date Posted: 26 March 2026

Closing Date: 16 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term

Directorate: Operations

Workplace:

Darmstadt, DE

Grade Band: A2 - A4

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Description

Space Weather Project Manager, reporting to the Head of the Space Weather Office within the Space Safety Programme Office, Directorate of Operations.

The Space Weather Office (OPS-SW) in the Space Safety Programme Office is responsible for the definition, architecture and implementation of the ESA Space Weather system and for the delivery of the corresponding services. The Space Weather Officer maintains space weather user requirements, analyses and evaluates European Space Weather assets and competencies, designs the architecture and develops the Space Weather System, including software applications, required ground systems, hosted payloads and small satellite missions. The Office is also responsible for implementing Space Weather related projects outside the Space Safety Programme, such as tasks entrusted by the European Commission or national space weather projects.

You will work with the team in the Space Weather Office and liaise closely with teams in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (TEC) on a project for developing space weather capability for the Belgian defence sector. In this role, you will be working closely with the end users, including the Belgian Ministry of Defence. For the implementation of the project, you will be leading a multidisciplinary team, including colleagues within ESA and industrial contractors.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

the end-to-end management of the project for developing space weather capability for the defence sector in Belgium, from ITT preparation to contract kick-off, implementation, review and formal closure after the approved delivery of results;
translation of the roadmap provided by the end users into contractual and technical requirements, as well as clear project plans, timelines and deliverables;
breakdown of the project into appropriate subprojects, as necessary;
preparation of the procurement for each subproject;
management of the scope, schedule, budget, risks and quality of the deliverables for the overall project and all subprojects;
management of the industrial contracts relating to your area of responsibility and interfacing with industry for all project matters;
acting as the main point of contact between ESA and the end users;
coordinating multidisciplinary ESA internal teams and industrial contractors;
preparing and maintaining project documentation, reports and review materials in compliance with ESA standards;
supporting all project and Space Weather Office and Space Safety Programme reviews;
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/ground system development, integration, verification and testing

Proven experience in managing space/ground project implementation

Experience in project risk management processes

Familiarity with ESA procurement aspects

Knowledge of Space Weather systems

Knowledge of the specific features of defence and dual-use systems

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 an engineering or scientific discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have the following:

The ability to summarise complex information in clear and concise reports;
Good communication skills, both verbal and written;
The ability to work effectively in an international team environment;
The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts in a project setting;
The ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
Strong results 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.

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.

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, Cyprus, 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.