ALTIUS Project Manager

ALTIUS Project Manager Job Requisition ID: 21108 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 ALTIUS is an Earth Watch mission under the European Space Agency’s Earth Observation Living Planet Programme. It is a limb-sounding mission designed to monitor the 3D distribution and evolution of stratospheric ozone at high vertical resolution in support of operational services and long-term trend monitoring. ALTIUS is currently in Phase D, with instrument-level integration and testing activities under way. You will report to the Earth Explorer Missions Programme Manager within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. You will be responsible for managing the remaining implementation activities for ALTIUS under Phases D/E1, covering both the space and ground segments.Duties Your specific responsibilities and duties will include: • end-to-end technical management of the ALTIUS project in accordance with the agreed technical specifications, cost and schedule. This includes completion of remaining instrument- and satellite-level integration and testing activities under Phases D and E1 for the space and ground segments, as well as launch and successful in-orbit commissioning; • managing all the industrial contracts relating to your area of responsibility and interfacing with industry for all project matters; • representing the project and reporting on its progress to ESA technical authorities, such as the Inspector General, those responsible for audit and frequency coordination, the Security Office and the Independent Safety Office, as well as the Mission Advisory Group, ESA subordinate bodies, such as DOSTAG and the IPC, and ESA delegates of ALTIUS Participating States; • managing the ALTIUS ESA project teams and associated support from all departments of the Directorates of Earth Observation Programmes; Technology, Engineering and Quality; Operations; and Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, ensuring that all appropriate information is available to all project participants so that they can discharge their responsibilities efficiently within the agreed framework. You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting health and safety risks in your area of responsibilityTechnical competencies Knowledge of Space system development and PA standardsKnowledge of space projects, including instrumentation and operationsKnowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processesKnowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspectsDelivery of complex projects within cost and scheduleComplex project risk management processesBehavioural 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. *(esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/ESA_Competency_Framework.pdf)Education and professional experience A master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field is required for this post, together with, in principle, 10 years of relevant professional experience.Additional requirements • The potential to manage individuals or a team in a project setting; • The ability to organise individual and team 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; • A 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 is an asset, as is 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. 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 contact.human.resources@esa.int. 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. 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