Satellite ATM System Implementation Manager

Location: Noordwijk

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Description
Satellite ATM System Implementation Manager in the Safety and Security from Space Programme Office in the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The 4S (Space Systems for Safety and Security) Strategic Programme Line (SPL) is one of the three main strategic thrusts of the ESA programme in the field of satellite communications. It focuses on next-generation satcom solutions serving governmental needs and critical infrastructure and/or applications with high security, resilience and sovereignty requirements. Consequently, the 4S SPL emphasises security, safety, resilience and sovereignty in design, manufacturing techniques and operations.

In this context, space-based communication and surveillance systems supporting air traffic management (ATM), safety and domain awareness are a clear priority in the short and medium term. These systems are developed by following demanding processes whose strict application is necessary for the certification required before the system begins operations and service can be delivered to end users; hence the need for the Satellite ATM System Implementation Manager to have specific knowledge of aviation-specific requirements and processes in addition to being an expert in space-based communication and surveillance solutions.

As System Implementation Manager, you will initiate, support and coordinate both the ATM-related work at SPL level and potentially all aviation/ATM-related initiatives and projects pursued under 4S.

Reporting hierarchically to the 4S Strategic Programme Line Manager and Head of the Space Systems for Safety and Security Office, you will also liaise with the 4S Implementation Manager in charge of the programmatic and management aspects of the SPL and the 4S System Architect in charge of the overall consistency of the system and technical activities in the 4S area.

As Implementation Manager, you will also support major 4S projects, reporting functionally to the relevant project manager, in the areas of your specific competence.

Under the Space Systems for Safety and Security strategic programme, one of the main current areas of focus is next-generation space-based solutions that will support air traffic management in Europe and beyond. This effort includes partnerships with ESA-supported private initiatives aiming to deploy these new systems, but also a set of ESA-initiated activities contributing to the objective. It also includes solutions responding to the specific needs of operating UAS/RPAS safely and effectively in the overall airspace.

Duties
You will specialise in integrating satellite communication technologies into aviation infrastructure to enhance communication and surveillance (CNS). Working at the intersection of aerospace, telecommunications and aviation safety, you will design and deploy systems that allow for more efficient, secure and reliable communication between ground controllers and aircraft, such as the Iris programme.

You will initiate, support and coordinate all ATM-related 4S SPL activities. In addition, you will directly contribute to some projects, supporting and reporting functionally to the corresponding project manager, for a significant share of your time, up to 80% in 2026.

In particular, you will support the Iris Global project in the following areas:

Following the evolution of the aviation regulatory environment, identifying elements with a potential impact on Iris Global;

Supporting the Iris Project Manager in interfacing with aviation stakeholders, such as regulatory and standardisation bodies, SESAR, EASA, EUROCONTROL and the ICAO;

Ensuring consistency between user needs and the end-to-end system of Iris Global and its evolutions;

Supporting the specification and development of critical technologies for Iris Global;

Supporting Iris Global developments and demonstrations in the RPAS domain;

Identifying critical development problems in the…