Job Requisition ID: 20458
Date Posted: 31 March 2026
Closing Date: 21 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External
Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite
Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
Grade Band: A5 - A5
Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
DescriptionWIVERN, WInd VElocity Radar Nephoscope, is the 11th Earth Explorer Mission. It is designed to deliver the first global observations of the three-dimensional wind field, along with associated cloud and precipitation structures, across a wide range of atmospheric phenomena. In addition, it will provide valuable observations of sea ice and snow, as well as ocean surface currents. These observations will address critical gaps in the current global observation system.
At the heart of the mission is a conically scanning 94 GHz Doppler radar, which operates from a 500 km near-polar orbit. With a 3 metre conically scanning antenna, the mission will sample across an 800 km swath, with vertical resolution of 600 metres and horizontal resolution of approximately 1 kilometre. With quasi-daily global coverage, WIVERN will enable the measurements of in-cloud winds from the surface to the upper stratosphere.
You will report to the Earth Explorer Missions Programme Manager, within the Earth Observation Programmes Department. You will be responsible for managing the WIVERN implementation (Phases B1/B2/C/D/E1), covering space and ground segments.
Duties- responsibility for the end-to-end procurement and technical management of the WIVERN Project within the agreed technical specification, cost and schedule. This includes the completion of remaining technology pre-developments as well as phases B1, B2, C, D and E1 for space and ground segments;
- management of the industrial contract(s) related to your area of responsibility, and interfacing with industry for all project matters;
- representation of the project, and associated reporting, to ESA technical authorities (such as the Inspector General, audit, frequency coordination, the Security Office, or the Independent Safety Office), the Mission Advisory Group and ESA delegate bodies (DOSTAG and the IPC);
- management of the ESA WIVERN Project Teams and associated support from all departments of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes as well as the Directorates of Technology, Engineering and Quality, Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, and Operations, ensuring that all appropriate information is available to all Project participants, such 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 responsibility.
Technical competencies- Knowledge of Space system development and PA standards
- Knowledge of space projects, including instrumentation and operations
- Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes
- Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects
- Delivery of complex projects within cost and schedule
- Complex project risk management processes
- Result Orientation
- Operational Efficiency
- Fostering Cooperation
- Relationship Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Forward Thinking
- For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
A master’s degree in a scientific/engineering domain is required for this post together with 10 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- Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team;
- The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Division and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
- The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
- Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
- A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces;
- Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
- The ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
- The ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.
People management experience is required and international experience would be an asset, including outside your home country, as would experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities. Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation. Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, starting after approximately five years in this role.
Diversity, Equity and InclusivenessESA 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 DisclaimerApplicants 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 LanguagesPlease 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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment.
Important Note
Note: This description reflects the information available at publication and may be subject to change.
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