Job Description

P120C/P160C and Solid propulsion Programme Manager

Job Requisition ID: 20442

Date Posted: 1 April 2026

Closing Date: 22 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Space Transportation

Workplace:

Paris, FR

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Description

P120C/P160C and Solid Propulsion Programme Manager in the Flight Programmes Department, Directorate of Space Transportation.

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Flight Programmes Department and in coordination with the Head of the Ariane Programme Department, you will be responsible for the technical and programmatic implementation of the P120C/P160C programme activities, ensuring full coherence between the Ariane 6 and Vega-C/E programme developments. You will be the technical focal point for the solid propulsion activities of European-developed launchers Vega and Ariane 6.

Duties

You will be responsible for the following:

The technical and programmatic implementation of the P120C/P160C programme for:

- the completion of the P160C development and qualification, up to the verification of the achievement of P160C full operational capability, in particular for the production facilities;
- activities related to P120C/P160C, including future static firing tests and activities related to production robustness and production rate increases;
- activities aimed at the improvement and cost reduction of the P160C;
- the full coherence and compatibility of the P160C with the Ariane 6 launch system and Vega-C/E launch systems.

Providing technical support to the solid propulsion activities carried out in the Vega-C/E programme, in full coordination with the Vega-C and Vega-E Programme Managers.
Serving as the STS focal point for solid rocket propulsion activities in the Vega-C and Ariane 6 exploitation programmes, in coordination with the relevant STS exploitation teams.

When performing the above duties, you will be supported by a small team and will be responsible for its management. You will also rely on project control services, product assurance and safety support as well as contract support.

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

Technical competencies

Multidisciplinary knowledge of your area of responsibility

Knowledge of other technical domains that interface with your own area of responsibility

Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

ESA space systems development, verification and review processes and standards

Behavioural competencies

Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

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

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 10 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

You should have at least 10 years of work experience on large-scale development programmes.
Strong technical know-how and experience in solid rocket propulsion and launcher system technical domains is required.
Good knowledge of the European launcher sector would be an asset.
Project management know-how would also be an asset.
Demonstrated capability to interact with industry is an important requirement.

Strong analytical skills, aptitude for planning, results-orientation, team working and good interpersonal skills are essential.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these two languages is required together with a working knowledge of the other. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

Additionally:

The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts;
The ability to organise their 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;
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;
People management experience is required, international experience is an asset, including 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, 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.