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ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

As Technical Officer under the authority of the Head of Collective Launch Service Procurement (CLSP) within Strategy and Institutional Launches in the Directorate of Space Transportation (STS), you will provide end-to-end support to missions requiring launch services. This includes all aspects of launch service preparation, from early mission design and feasibility analysis through launch campaign execution. The role involves close coordination with CLSP stakeholders within STS and iterations with launch service providers.

• Supporting ESA missions in the overall coordination and management of their launch services
• Interfacing with and supporting mission representatives from early mission definition through completion of the associated launch campaign
• Acting as primary STS point of contact for mission representatives until at least the signature of the launch service work order
• Providing expertise on mission-to-launch-system compatibility, including interfaces definition, in close coordination with ESA engineering teams
• Conducting mission feasibility analysis with support from ESA technical experts, using in particular STS tools and methodologies, identifying critical areas and proposing mitigation measures
• Identifying the most suitable launch system(s) for each mission, determining required launch system adaptations, and coordinating those adaptations, as required, with the relevant STS services
• Identifying any non-standard launch service needs and coordinating their procurement in collaboration with the launch service provider
• Assessing and monitoring launch service related risks throughout the mission lifecycle
• Supporting negotiations and finalisation of launch service work orders and subsequent changes, working closely with mission teams and ESA procurement services
• Coordinating preparation and execution of mission launch campaigns preparation

• Management of complex projects involving multiple interfaces, both during early definition phases (phase O/A) and implementation (phases C/D and E)
• Mission analysis, in particular evaluating mission compatibility with launch systems
• Knowledge of light satellites (including CubeSats) and large satellites projects
• Familiarity with launcher environments and payload interfaces
• Experience in preparing and conducting launch campaigns, ideally with exposure to both launcher and mission aspects, is considered an asset

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

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

A master's degree or equivalent qualification in an engineering discipline is required for this post.

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.

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.

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.