Copernicus LSTM Project Manager

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) invites applications for the Copernicus LSTM Project Manager position at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. You will report to the Copernicus Space Segment Programme Manager and oversee the LSTM protoflight and recurrent satellite phases, ensuring alignment with cost and schedule.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a scientific/engineering field with 10 years of relevant experience (or a Bachelor’s with 14 years).

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a scientific/engineering domain with 10 years of professional experience OR Bachelor’s degree with 14 years total experience.
• Proven leadership of a project team and ability to drive strategic direction.
• Experience with end-to-end procurement, contracts and reporting to ESA authorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end procurement and technical management of the LSTM project within cost, schedule and specs.
• Manage industrial contracts and interface with industry on project matters.
• Represent the project to ESA authorities and external bodies (DOSTAG, etc.).
• Lead the project team with support from Earth Observation Programmes and related directorates.
• Identify, assess and report health and safety risks within the area of responsibility.

Skills

Space systems

Space projects

ESA/industry knowledge

Cost & schedule management

Risk management

Education

Master's degree + 10 yrs exp

Bachelor's + 4 yrs exp

Job description

Copernicus LSTM Project Manager

Job Requisition ID: 20900

Date Posted: 21 September 2026

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

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A5 - A5

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

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

• 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.

Technical competencies

• 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

Behavioural competencies

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

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

Education And Professional Experience

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.

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.

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.