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Closing Date: 29 May 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics. Its mission is to 'Empower Europe to lead space science'.

The Department for Science and Operations (SCI-S), within ESA's Directorate for Science, host the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations; it develops the science operation systems for the missions and operates the missions in space; it archives and curates their data during operations and beyond. Our main objective is to maximise the scientific output of the missions for the benefit of humankind.

You will be assigned as IT Systems Architect under the direct responsibility of the Head of the Programmatic IT Section in the Data Science and Archives Division within SCI-S.

As the IT Systems Architect, you will be responsible for the planning, design, implementation, management, operations and evolution of all scientific and operations programmatic IT infrastructure and systems within the Science Operations Department in accordance with ESA Security Directives and in balance with the cyber and security requirements from ESA space science missions.

You will work in close collaboration with ESA space science missions’ teams within the directorate, as well as with ESA Corporate IT, ESA Security Office, and the relevant ESA cyber and security teams.

Specific responsibilities of IT Systems Architect include:

• supporting the definition and establishment of the IT infrastructure roadmap in alignment with department and Science Operations Centres needs;
• defining, designing, implementing and operating the IT infrastructure services portfolio in alignment with the Department strategy and roadmap;
• producing high-level and detailed designs for IT infrastructure architectures and solutions, integrating all systems needed (servers, storage, computing, virtual infrastructure, backup and other components) and considering future growth and scalability;
• evaluating and proposing appropriate technologies, hardware, and software solutions, for IT infrastructure;
• supporting the Project/System Security Officer (PSSO) and Cyber Security Manager (CSM) for the Science Directorate in guaranteeing compliance of department IT infrastructure with ESA Security and Cybersecurity framework and policies;
• managing all relevant interfaces for Programmatic IT infrastructure, within the Directorate and outside, in particular with ESA’s corporate IT department
• acting as Technical Responsible for industrial and service contracts related to Programmatic IT infrastructure: coordinating and planning inputs, and monitoring and evaluating outputs of these contracts, ensuring they run within cost and schedule;
• interfacing with IT infrastructure vendors, including support to procurement processes, performance monitoring and building positive relationships;
• monitoring and following technological and methodological trends in the field of IT,
• supporting Programmatic IT innovation, fostering new IT infrastructure maintaining state-of-the-art expertise, placing emphasis on innovative concepts and agile prototyping.

Experience in IT infrastructure management

Knowledge of the main elements of IT disciplines, such as servers, storage, computing, virtual infrastructure and backup, and related processes, frameworks and implementation technologies

Experience in science operations, preferably in the context of ESA missions

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

A master’s degree in computer engineering, space science or space applications is required for this post.

Assets for this position include:

• experience in managing complex IT related projects;
• understanding of communication networks;
• experience in ESA procurement processes and contract management as well as applied negotiation skills;
• knowledge of ESA corporate IT services;
• knowledge of ESA's security policy and security framework.

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

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 , 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.