F3 Mission Project Manager

ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands is seeking a senior mission architect/lead for the F3 Fast-class mission. You will define the mission’s Phase A/B scope and lead ITT activities for Phase A/B, with parallel procurement plans for later phases.

The program targets SPC decision points with spacecraft development milestones across multiple phases and a launch window in the 2030s. You will report to the Head of the Future Missions Department and coordinate with contracting, engineering and

Job description

Job Requisition ID:20870

Date Posted:3 September 2026

Closing Date:24 September 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication:Internal & External

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

F3 is the third Fast-class (F-class) mission in ESA's Science Programme. Two candidate missions will be selected by the Science Programme Committee (SPC) in November 2026 for Phase 0, and F3 mission selection is planned in November 2027. F3 mission adoption by the SPC is planned in June 2030 at Preliminary Design Review (PDR), with launch in 2034.

Reporting to the Head of the Future Missions Department (SCI-F), you will be in charge of the mission Phase A/B and, subject to mission adoption by the SPC, Phases C/D/E1, until completion of the spacecraft in-orbit commissioning.

You will be involved in Phase 0 and will lead the invitation to tender (ITT) for the industrial procurement contract, requesting the proposal for Phase A/B and a preliminary proposal for Phase C/D/E1. Parallel contracts are planned for Phase A/B, with selection of the prime contractor shortly after mission adoption.

Duties

You will be responsible for the definition, manufacturing and launch of the F3 space segment, ...