Mission Manager for Atmospheric Missions
Job Requisition ID: 19619
Date Posted: 3 June 2025
Closing Date: 24 June 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External
Type of Contract: Permanent
Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
Workplace:
Frascati, IT
Grade Band: A2 - A4
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
Mission Manager for Atmospheric Missions in the EO Mission Management and Product Quality Division, EO Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
Duties
Under the authority of the Head of Division, you will be given the following tasks and responsibilities:
- Managing the exploitation phase (Phase E2) of the Sentinel-5P mission space segment in coordination with Flight Operations and Post-Launch Support
- Ensuring the exploitation of the Sentinel-5P mission in coordination with the Ground Segment Operations Manager, Product Quality Manager and the ESA Science Teams
- Coordinating, during the Sentinel-5P exploitation phase, the tasks delegated to other ESA departments and directorates, or cooperating with European and international partners
- Maximising the return on the mission by understanding the continuously evolving needs of Sentinel-5P data users, in particular through interfacing directly with the Copernicus Services, and ensuring the best possible match between the mission and its user needs
- Preparing the exploitation of the ALTIUS, FLEX and FORUM missions during the development phase with a view to maximising the return on the mission, in particular through interaction with expert users, the collection of user recommendations on data quality, exploitation scenarios, user support activities, etc.
- Managing the exploitation phase (Phase E2) of the ALTIUS, FLEX and FORUM mission space segments in coordination with Flight Operations and Post-Launch Support
- Ensuring the exploitation of the ALTIUS, FLEX and FORUM missions in coordination with the Ground Segment Operations Manager, Product Quality Manager, and the ESA Science Teams
- Coordinating, during the ALTIUS, FLEX and FORUM exploitation phase, the tasks delegated to other ESA departments and directorates or outside ESA, or cooperating with European and international partners
- Maximising the return on the missions by understanding the continuously evolving needs of the ALTIUS, FLEX and FORUM data users and ensuring the best possible match between the mission and its user needs
- Contributing to the reporting to the European Commission and to ESA Member States on matters related to the exploitation of the missions and communicating frequently and proactively on their results
You will assist the Head of Division with other activities as required.
Technical competencies
Solid understanding of the objectives and challenges of atmospheric Earth observation missions
Sound knowledge of ESA Earth observation policies and programmes
Experience in coordinating technical/scientific teams, preferably in an international context
Proven scientific expertise in the field of atmospheric Earth observation
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
A master's degree or PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
The following competencies would be considered assets:
- Acquaintance with the Copernicus and ESA Earth observation programmatic frameworks
- Good knowledge of user needs in the fields addressed by atmospheric Earth observation missions
- General understanding of Earth observation mission development and operations
- High‐level of motivation and dedication, with the ability to take ownership and act proactively
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
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 [email protected].
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.
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.
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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented 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.
- Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
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