Launch Services and Technical Coordinator

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands, seeks a Launch Services and Technical Coordinator to manage launcher-related activities for Earth Explorer missions. You will coordinate procurement, interface management, and technical definitions across missions, supporting feasibility studies, reviews, and launch campaigns.

Reporting to the Earth Explorer Missions Programme Manager, you will work with project teams and external launcher providers to optimize technical solutions,

Qualifications

• Master's in engineering plus 4 years experience; or a Bachelor's with 4 years' experience.
• Experience as a controller in a project/programme is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Focal point for Earth Explorer level launcher activities with launcher authorities.
• Maintain technical and programmatic dossiers related to launchers and launch services.
• Monitor the worldwide launch service market and launcher performances for missions.
• Support launch campaigns preparation and coordination across projects.
• Act as ESA Deputy Launch Campaign Manager during Earth Explorer launch campaigns.

Skills

Launcher interface mgmt

Launch campaigns

Procurement & negotiations

Spacecraft AIV

ECSS standards

LEO/EO operations

Education

Master's degree in engineering

Job description

Launch Services and Technical Coordinator

Job Requisition ID: 21107

Date Posted: 21 October 2026

Closing Date: 11 November 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: A2 - A4

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Launch Services and Technical Coordinator in the Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. Reporting to the Earth Explorer Missions Programme Manager, you, as Launch Services Coordinator, will be in charge of the tasks related to the coordination of the procurement and assessment of launch services for the Earth Explorers, SCOUTs, some Earth Watch missions and VIGIL as well as for selected projects of the European Resilience from Space for Earth Observation programme. Furthermore, you will act as back-up for the launch services coordinator for the Copernicus missions. For the missions to which the postholder will be assigned in time sharing, you will be responsible as Technical Officer for the launch service contracts, supporting the execution of the launch services related activities from the initial feasibility studies to and including launch campaigns. You will follow the technical definition of the I/F between the spacecraft and their related launch vehicles and, working across more projects, you will aim to optimize and harmonize technical solutions and contractual arrangements between projects and launcher providers. You will also advise each mission on the launcher related activities of the spacecraft industrial contractors. For the execution of these tasks, you will report functionally to the respective project managers and work in close collaboration with the project teams. You will provide support to the Head of the Earth Observation Projects Department in establishing and maintaining technical and programmatic dossiers related to launchers and launch services. You will also act as the contact point with the Collective Launcher Service Procurement and other Directorate of Space Transportation representatives. As Technical Coordinator, you will support the definition and coherent implementation of applicable policies and common technical solutions across the projects. Your responsibilities will also include acting as technical representative for the Earth Observation Projects Department as regards the definition and adoption of some common developments, new technologies and methodologies, and the follow-up of the implementation by the missions.

Duties

• acting as the focal point at Earth Explorer Missions Programme level for all launcher activities in the relations with the launcher authorities;
• establishing and maintaining technical and programmatic dossiers related to launchers and launch services relevant for the Earth Explorer, SCOUT, some Earth Watch and other relevant missions, including selected missions of the European Resilience from Space for Earth Observation programme and (as back-up) for some Copernicus missions;
• monitoring the evolution of the worldwide commercial and institutional launch service market and launch vehicle performances relevant for the Earth Explorer, SCOUT, some Earth Watch and other relevant missions;
• supporting the Earth Explorer, SCOUT, Earth Watch and other relevant missions in the establishment and monitoring of launch services, by acting as Technical Officer of related contracts ensuring coordination with other relevant Directorates:
• supporting the procurement of the launcher vehicle and services, supporting in the negotiation of the relevant launch services contracts;
• providing technical support and expertise for launcher I/F definition and launch services procurement;
• providing support for the technical activities to be conducted with the launcher providers such as mission feasibility studies, engineering analyses, PMARs and FMARs;
• providing support for the interface definition between the launch service provider authorities and the satellite prime contractor in order to ensure technical and programmatic viability, completeness of documentations and the adequacy of the I/F verification;
• participating as Earth Explorer Missions Programme representative in various launch vehicles reviews (e.g. LV qualification review, failure reviews, etc.);
• providing support in the preparation of the launch campaign, monitoring also the industrial activities including planning, transport, logistic and definition of launch site activities;
• acting as ESA Deputy Launch Campaign Manager during the Earth Explorer missions launch campaigns;
• establishing, consolidating and maintaining a list of common technical topics and methodologies that would be candidates for a coordinated implementation approach within the Earth Explorer, SCOUT, some Earth Watch and other relevant missions;
• coordinating the assessment of the identified common technical topics involving the relevant projects teams, as well as relevant experts from other ESA mission project teams, departments or directorates, as applicable;
• supporting the relevant projects teams in the implementation of common technical topics;
• supporting the relevant project teams and Project Controllers in the consolidation of the annual plan for functional support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, ensuring a coherent and efficient implementation;
• acting as the Earth Observation Projects Department’s technical representative in specific internal and external forums and working groups.

Technical competencies

• In-dept experience in technical (launcher) interface management
• In-depth experience in spacecraft launch services and associated launch campaigns definition and execution
• In-depth experience in the procurement, management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in negotiations and reviews
• Experience in spacecraft and/or payload design, development and Assembly, Integration and Verification/Validation definition and execution
• Experience in the application and tailoring of ECSS standards for spacecraft developments
• Knowledge of launch and early orbit phase and in-orbit commissioning phase definition and execution

Behavioural competencies

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

Education And Professional Experience

A master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post together with 4 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

Applicants shall have previous professional experience as a controller in a project or programme preferably; at agency or industry level. Experience in another function in finance, controlling and auditing will be considered a (key) asset. Some knowledge and/or understanding of space systems architecture will be also considered an asset. Substantial experience is essential in the application of project management and project control principles and advanced project control techniques, as well as in the preparation, negotiation and implementation of major industrial procurements. Engineering experience in a project or programme will be considered an asset.

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

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.

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.