Head of the Flight Dynamics Division

European Space Agency; Darmstadt; Vor Ort; EUR 80.000 - 110.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading space organization is looking for a Head of the Flight Dynamics Division in Darmstadt, Germany. This role involves overseeing the implementation of strategies related to mission analysis, flight dynamics, and navigation for various space missions. The ideal candidate will possess a master’s degree in a relevant field, strong leadership skills, and experience in managing operational teams. This is a full-time position and offers opportunities for professional growth within the organization.

Qualifikationen

• Proven experience leading and motivating teams in an operational environment.
• Demonstrated record of delivering operational services within schedule and budget.
• Ability to drive performance and foster cooperation across teams.

Aufgaben

• Implement department strategy and manage change processes.
• Provide end-to-end solutions for mission analysis and flight dynamics.
• Lead the development of infrastructure and systems for space missions.

Kenntnisse

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Customer needs elicitation

Project management

Communication skills

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in mathematics, physics or relevant engineering discipline

Jobbeschreibung

Location

ESOC Darmstadt Germany

Description

Head of the Flight Dynamics Division in the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department Directorate of Operations.

Duties

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department the Head of the Flight Dynamics Division is a member of the Department Management Team and is jointly responsible for implementing the Department’s strategy and the related change processes. If selected for this position you will also be responsible for solutions and support for space missions in the domains of mission analysis, flight dynamics and precise navigation.

Responsibilities

• Provision of comprehensive end‑to‑end solutions covering all the mission analysis, flight dynamics and precise navigation functions for the missions operated at ESOC as well as other ESA and third‑party programmes and projects as required. This includes operations preparation, execution and performance evaluation.
• Provision of expertise to space programmes and projects in the domains of mission analysis, flight dynamics and precise navigation support.
• Development, management and maintenance of infrastructure and systems required for the above activities from the early study phase through to the definition, development, operation and decommissioning phases, leading their evolution to ensure sustainability and support of future needs while maximising the efficiency and quality of the solutions and interfaces.
• Fostering synergies and reuse of the latest infrastructure investments most notably optimising the use of the multi‑mission infrastructure.
• Leading the European space sector’s efforts in the Division’s domain of responsibility, fostering innovation, commercialisation and enlargement of the Department’s footprint in ESA’s Member States and ensuring that the Division participates in international scientific and technical networks and conducts cutting‑edge research.
• Leading spin‑in of advanced technologies and methodologies in the Division’s domains of responsibility.
• Leading the R&D activities, standardisation and European harmonisation in the Division’s domain of responsibility both in internal and international forums such as ECSS and CCSDS.
• Planning and managing the Division’s resources including the workforce workload as well as technical organisational, financial and contractual aspects of its activities such as technical management and procurement of industrial engineering services.
• Developing and evolving staff competences to meet current and future strategic needs including management of specialists’ knowledge and expertise in the Division’s domains of responsibility.
• Identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the security, health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

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

Technical Competencies

A high level of competence in astrodynamics disciplines and proven experience of their application to space mission operations.

Strong Competence in Eliciting and Capturing Customer Needs

Demonstrated record of delivering operational services within schedule and budget and to the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction.

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 mathematics, physics or a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional Requirements

• Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing teams of experts in a project and/or operational environment.
• The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Division and to relate team objectives to the overall evolving organisational goals and context.
• The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation.
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills both oral and written.
• A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests at external interfaces.
• Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills.
• The ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context.
• The ability to reach solution‑oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders in this process.

People management experience is required; international experience is an asset, including experience outside your home country as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation. Mobility opportunities may be offered as part of your career evolution at ESA starting after approximately five years in this role.

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 .

Important Information and Disclaimer

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 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.

Required Experience: Director

Key Skills: Marketing & Promotions, Attorney at Law, Jni, Airlines, Art

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1