Copernicus LSTM Project Manager

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency is seeking a Project Manager for the Copernicus Land Surface Temperature Monitoring project within the Copernicus Space Segment Programme. You will report to the Copernicus Space Segment Programme Manager and oversee end-to-end procurement, technical management, and coordination with ESA authorities and industry.

The role emphasizes leadership, risk management, and strategic direction across international teams, with mobility within ESA and a focus on delivering complex

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a scientific/engineering domain with 10 years of relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with an additional four years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience in leading, motivating and developing a project team.
• Excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Experience representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces and coordinating with multiple Directorates.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end procurement and technical management of the LSTM project within the agreed technical specification, cost and schedule.
• Management of the industrial contracts and interfacing with industry for all project matters.
• Representation of the project to ESA authorities and external bodies, with appropriate reporting.
• Management of the project team and cross-directorate support to ensure information availability for participants.
• Identify, assess, manage and report health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Strategic planning

Risk management

Procurement

International collaboration

Space systems

Education

Master's degree in engineering or sciences

Bachelor's degree + 4 years experience alternative

Job description

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

Publication Method: Internal & External

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

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Project Manager for the Copernicus Land Surface Temperature Monitoring Project in the Copernicus Space Segment Programme of the Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

You will report to the Copernicus Space Segment Programme Manager, within the Earth Observation Programmes Department.
You will be responsible for managing the Copernicus LSTM Project protoflight and the recurrent satellite(s) implementation (Phases B2/C/D/E1).

Duties

Your specific responsibilities and duties will include:

• Responsibility for the end-to-end procurement and technical management of the LSTM project within the agreed technical specification, cost and schedule;
• Management of the industrial contract(s) related to area of responsibility, and interfacing with industry for all projects matters;
• Representation of the project, and associated reporting, in front of ESA technical authorities (e.g. Inspector General, audit, frequency coordination, Security Office, Independent Safety Office,…), Mission Advisory Group, and ESA Delegate Bodies (DOSTAG);
• Management of the LSTM ESA project team and associated support from the Directorates of Earth Observation Programmes; Technology, Engineering and Quality; Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement; and Operations, ensuring that all appropriate information is available to all Project participants such that they can discharge their responsibilities efficiently within the agreed framework.
• You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Knowledge of Space system development and PA standards

Knowledge of space projects, including instrumentation and operations

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects

Delivery of complex projects within cost and schedule

Knowledge and Experience in complex project risk management

A master’s degree in a scientific/engineering domain is required for this post together with 10 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

• Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team in a project;
• The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Project 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 to 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 (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.

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.

Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation.
Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you 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.

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, 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.