Head of the Small Satellites Unit

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 100.000 - 130.000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space organization is seeking a Head of the Small Satellites Section in Noordwijk. This role involves managing resources and activities, driving small satellite strategies, and leading a team to develop pioneering space missions. Candidates should have a Master's degree in aerospace engineering and substantial experience in satellite development and project management.

Qualifications

• Extensive phase B2/C/D experience in the development of small satellite platforms.
• General knowledge of RF and optical payload systems.
• Experience in ESA procurement processes and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Lead SmallSat projects in coordination with the Technology Department.
• Monitor and report on performance at individual and team level.
• Ensure a positive and motivating working environment for the Section.

Skills

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

Master's degree in aerospace engineering

Job description

Overview

Job Requisition ID: 19806

Date Posted: 18 September 2025

Application Deadline: 9 October 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Role
Head of the Small Satellites Section in the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division of the Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Reporting directly to the Head of the In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Division, you will be responsible for managing the Section, its resources and its portfolio of activities. You will also serve as ESA’s focal point for small satellites systems engineering, small and innovative project management, and the associated technology developments, ensuring that the Agency remains at the forefront of rapid and innovative space missions.

As the Head of the Small Satellites Section, you will lead a dynamic team driving ESA’s small satellite strategy, shaping pioneering in-orbit demonstration and validation (IOD/IOV) missions, building Europe’s competitiveness in the global space sector, and preparing the next generation of space systems.

Responsibilities

• SmallSat project preparation and implementation: Leading SmallSat projects in coordination with the Technology Department and overseeing the preparation, approval and implementation of in-orbit demonstration and validation missions, ensuring delivery on time and within budget;
• Providing support to SmallSat activities across all ESA Directorates, the European Commission and other agencies;
• Anticipating trends, promoting innovative R&D activities, and integrating emerging technologies into demonstration missions in coordination with other engineering domains in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality;
• Supporting the coordination of technology demonstration missions across the various programmes at ESA, engaging with European industry, research institutions, international partners and ESA Member States.

• Workload assessment and assignment: Developing the Section’s multi-year activity plan, including required competencies and resource allocation;
• Setting annual objectives and managing or coordinating specialised technical support within the Section's domains of expertise, in close cooperation with functional managers;
• For projects supported by the Section, actively enhancing the agility and flexibility necessary to address short-notice and peak-period project resource requirements;
• Assuming accountability for all activities and resources assigned to the Section, and resolving any conflicts concerning the utilisation of the Section’s resources.

• Support management: Monitoring, measuring and reporting on performance at individual and team level, in particular regarding the Section’s objectives;
• Being accountable to the hierarchy for all the daily matters within the Section and for the achievement of the Section’s objectives;
• Being accountable for the Section members' career management, as well as for performing individual performance assessments and merit recognition exercises, and for providing regular feedback;

• Expertise offering: management of tools/processes/working methods: Ensuring regular interaction between the Section members, supporting teamwork, the exchange of experience and lessons learned, as well as the gathering of feedback;
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of working procedures, tools, processes, expert working methods and delivery methods (lessons learned, knowledge management) and to the reflection on the evolution of the Section's role and activities;
• Contributing to the (independent) technical assessment capability and supporting project reviews;
• Representing the Agency in your area(s) of expertise within ESA and with external entities (industry, delegations, etc.);
• Coordinating the dissemination of the Section’s results within and beyond ESA, in particular via conferences, workshops and R&D presentation days.

• R&D/technology management: In line with anticipated technology trends and project needs, defining, promoting and implementing the Section’s contributions to ESA technology programmes and R&D activities;
• Coordinating, where applicable, the requirements of technology elements in your domain of expertise with the overall requirements of systems being developed under the responsibility of other areas in the Directorate;
• Liaising with relevant technology expert groups and coordination mechanisms.

• General and leadership: Ensuring a positive and motivating working environment for the Section;
• Communicating ESA values and ensuring compliance with all ESA policies;
• Representing the Section when brokering agreements with other parties and actively encouraging cross-Section cooperation;
• Anticipating and resolving sensitive or difficult situations, detecting and managing health and safety issues, and liaising with HR as required;
• Establishing good working relationships and technical networks with users, project groups and other organisations both inside and outside the Agency;
• Reporting to high-level management and flowing down communication from management.

• Interface management: Supporting the evolution of standards in the context of the ECSS system and mission classification that is related to the technical domains of the Section.

Technical competencies

• Extensive phase B2/C/D experience in the development of small satellite platforms
• General knowledge of RF and optical payload systems
• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Experience in supporting ESA programmes and/or projects, as well as knowledge of their technical and programmatic requirements in relevant technical domains
• Knowledge of the industrial landscape and ability to define technology development roadmaps identifying future trends in technology requirements
• Experience in driving R&D activities, as well as knowledge of ESA technology programmes
• Experience in ESA procurement processes and contract management as well as applied negotiation skills
• Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation

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

A master's degree in aerospace engineering or in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts in a project or R&D setting;
• The ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• The ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• Strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused;
• People management experience would be an asset, as would international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

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.

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.