Description

Space Logistics and In-Space Proof-of-Concept (InSPoC) Project Manager in the Space Transportation Beyond LEO Unit (STS-FL), FLPP Programme, Future Space Transportation Preparation, Directorate of Space Transportation.

Duties

ESA is enabling the future end-to-end space transportation infrastructure that will leverage a network covering access to space, in-space transportation and return from space, supporting a global vision of space logistics.

ESA is turning the in-space transportation chapter of this vision into reality with In-Space Proofs-of-Concept (lnSPoCs). Here, the Agency will act as an enabling partner to de-risk space transportation capabilities and foster interoperable interfaces using incremental in-orbit demonstrations over the coming years. Each lnSPoC matures and validates key enabling capability for in-space transportation through in-orbit demonstrations. lnSPoC-1 tackles in-orbit rendezvous and docking, along with standard refilling, lnSPoC-2 focuses on cryogenic propellant storage and refilling, and lnSPoC-3 deals with on-board and shared intelligence, while lnSPoC-4 will address advanced space logistics, containerisation and cargo transfer.

lnSPoC-4 will take stock of the outcomes of the previous lnSPoCs and take them to the next level in the journey towards automated in-space logistics. It will aim at leveraging advanced logistics concepts such as the standardisation of cargo shipments with containerisation, in-orbit maintenance of space tugs and orbital propellant depots, the circular in­space economy, end-to-end in-space transportation, in-space robotics for cargo transfer, plug-and-play components, etc.
Within this context, you will be supporting the ramp-up of system and service-oriented in-space transportation projects according to the roadmap for the preparation of future space transportation, in particular:

• shaping and implementing the lnSPoC-4 projects as Technical Officer throughout their project lifecycle, i.e. the Ideation/Preparatory/Definition/Implementation phases, leveraging the right mix between competition and collaboration in the European SpaceTech industry;
• coordinating with the STS-FL Beyond LEO Manager, the lnSPoC Programme Manager and the other lnSPoC Technical Officers to pilot the lnSPoC-4 projects, ensuring they provide maximum value for the European SpaceTech ecosystem;
• performing technical synthesis of in-space logistics for space transportation, covering the ground and space segments of various space tugs, payloads, cargo, orbital propellant depots and spacecraft, and identifying the key capabilities and technology disruptors to be tackled and demonstrated in lnSPoC-4;
• contributing to the analysis of the Odyssey orbital propellant depot, and flowing objectives down to lnSPoC-4, with a special focus on end-to-end operations and integrated logistics and maintenance;
• ensuring a high standard of procurement, negotiation and steering of lnSPoC-4 projects:
• drafting statements of work for the lnSPoC-4 projects and related activities, with internal support and technical assistance, and supporting the subsequent bidding process;
• managing and participating in the evaluation of tender submissions, negotiation and the implementation of
• the corresponding contracts, in collaboration with the Procurement Department and other relevant ESA departments;
• organising and supporting negotiations of the contracts with industry;
• managing the relevant contracted activities, including the assessment of deliverables and the timely delivery of technological developments;
• providing systems engineering support to cross-disciplinary task forces across the lnSPoC venture, such as foresight and scenario planning, analysis of the future in-space transportation ecosystem and use cases, convergence on interface design fostering interoperability and wide adoption, analysis of commercialisation, business cases and market shaping, etc.

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• coordinating with other ESA directorates for technical support in steering the projects, commercialisation and market shaping for the future orbital economy, in-space transportation use cases, and synergies with in­orbit servicing;
• contributing to the organisation of events related to space transportation ecosystem piloting for matchmaking and outreach (industry day, pitch days, award ceremonies, commercialisation days or investor marketplaces) and to technical collaboration and capacity-building (in-space transportation user clubs, interface convergence workshops, standardisation committees, cross-disciplinary working groups, etc.);
• contributing to the STS-F roadmap collaborative process and committees;
• coordinating activities performed in collaboration with European industry and the academic world, promoting ESA’s activities to students, researchers and universities, and stimulating cross-fertilisation and new ideas;
• drafting and presenting papers at space conferences.

You will be assisted by project control, contracts, legal and quality assurance staff and supported by engineers from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, as well as from national agencies within the FLPP Technical Assistance scheme.

Technical competencies

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 space engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have:

• a thorough knowledge of the overall space transportation sector, the New Space environment and space transportation development processes;
• knowledge of the European and global space transportation sectors, including industry, as well as technical knowledge of in-space transportation systems and innovative technologies;
• professional experience in the space industry;
• competence in establishing system and technology roadmaps and experience of academic and public/private space transportation R&D would be a plus;
• ability to work autonomously in an international environment;
• analytical and synthesis skills;
• demonstrated relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
• ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and integrity as well as the capacity to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.

Experience of functional management of cross-disciplinary teams working across multiple locations would be a plus.

Qualifications or experience in advanced logistics, automation and robotics would be considered valuable assets.