Head of the Systems and Project Support Section

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY; Darmstadt; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency in Darmstadt is seeking a Head of the Systems and Project Support Section to lead the Ground Station Engineering Division's core capability. You will guide system-level specification, architectural evolution, and the provision of matrix support to ESA programmes and external partners.

The role demands a master's degree and five years of relevant experience, with strong leadership and people-management skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant domain is required.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience preferred.
• Experience coordinating engineering programs with international partners is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead system aspects across cross-cutting activities within the division.
• Oversee system-level specification, design, and architectural evolution of EST RACK ground stations.
• Coordinate engineering matrix services to ESA programmes and third-party projects.
• Act as Lead Technical Authority for ground stations engineering.
• Manage the Ground Segment Reference Facility and lead RF tests and validations.
• Oversee industrial contracts and services related to the activities.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Stakeholder management

Change management

Customer needs

Education

Master's degree in a relevant domain

Job description

Head of the Systems and Project Support Section

Job Requisition ID: 20943

Date Posted: 22 October 2026

Closing Date: 12 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: Internal & External

Type of Appointment ( learn more) : 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Head of the Systems and Project Support Section in the Ground Station Engineering Division, Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.

The Systems and Project Support Section is responsible for the system aspects of all cross-cutting activities across the various sections in the Ground Station Engineering Division. In particular, it is responsible for the specification, design and evolution of ESA Tracking Station Network (ESTRACK) ground station systems.

The Section coordinates the provision of engineering matrix support to all ESA programmes and third party projects, throughout all mission phases, in the Division's domains of expertise for ground-based RF and optical applications, including space communication, navigation, timing, radars and space safety applications.

You, as the Head of the Systems and Project Support Section, will lead the management and evolution of the Ground Segment Reference Facility, coordinate the technology developments across the Division and act as the Lead Technical Authority for ground station engineering.

Duties

• Lead the system aspects in all cross-cutting activities across the various Sections in the Division;
• Lead the system-level specification, design and architectural evolution of ESTRACK ground stations, follow up implementation, and verify the performance and suitability of the stations for operations;
• Coordinate the provision of engineering matrix services to all ESA programmes and third party projects, throughout all mission phases, including space communication, navigation, timing, radars and space safety applications. This involves in particular:
  • active support for ESA programmes and future missions during early mission phases;
  • consolidation of mission requirements, trade-off studies and definition of communication architecture;
  • specification of system requirements and design for RF and optical ground-based assets;
  • coordination of support for special mission operation phases (e.g. LEOP, orbit insertion, Delta-DOR navigation).
• Ensure consistency between the ESTRACK station performance in all relevant transmit and receive frequency bands for all missions entrusted to ESA;
• Take on the role of Lead Technical Authority for ground stations engineering;
• Coordinate the technology development, harmonisation and standardisation activities of the Division and represent the domain in related forums (TECNET, CCSDS, IOAG, etc.);
• Follow the evolution of the industrial landscape in relevant application domains and coordinate the technology evolution roadmaps in close collaboration with industry;
• Manage the Ground Segment Reference Facility (GSRF) and its evolution;
• Lead radio frequency compatibility tests (RFCT) in coordination with the Ground Operations Division for ESTRACK stations, subsystem validation tests for ESTRACK stations, radar stations, optical ground stations, and complete ground segment validations under mission specific configuration control;
• Manage industrial contracts and services for the above activities.

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

Demonstrated competencies and experience in the Section’s domain

Proven systems engineering and management capabilities for complex solutions and associated systems

Knowledge of the domain's ecosystem and landscape

Demonstrated experience of coordinating engineering matrix support for different lines of business

Demonstrated ability to spin-in innovation and successfully manage change

Strong competence in eliciting and capturing customer needs

Demonstrated track record of delivering innovative, efficient and operable systems within time, quality and budget contraints

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

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

Additional requirements

Team management experience as well as experience in interacting with ESA programmes, international partners (at managerial and technical level), ESA delegations, standardisation bodies and technology development processes would be an asset.

• The potential to manage individuals;
• 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 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 [e-mail] .

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 & 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.

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.