ERS-EO System Manager

Overview
Job

Requisition

Date Posted: 19 February 2026

Final date to receive applications: 12 March 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: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
European Resilience from Space — Earth Observation (ERS-EO) System Manager, reporting to the ERS-EO Architecture and Upstream Manager within the Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

You will be responsible for the execution of the system activities of Element 1 of the ERS-EO Programme and the preparation of the Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS).

You will liaise closely with the Ground Segment Department in relation to the ground segment architecture, the Future Systems Department for preparation of EOGS space missions, the European Commission’s DG DEFIS for EOGS definition, the European Union Satellite Centre (Sat Cen) in relation to secured platform definition, and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) in relation to security architecture to ensure that a coherent and advanced EOGS system can be achieved.

The implementation of the system activities of ERS-EO Element 1 will be carried out by a multifunctional team, including a system architect, a security engineer and an end-to-end performance engineer, who will report to you hierarchically or functionally.

You will also report functionally to the ERS System of Systems Manager within the Directorate of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity to ensure implementation of synergies throughout the three pillars of ERS: EOGS, LEO PNT and IRIS² evolution.

Duties
Your specific responsibilities and duties will include:

achieving convergence of the EOGS system architecture with the key external stakeholders (DG DEFIS, Sat Cen, EUSPA and Member States) and your internal counterparts (the ERS-EO Downstream and Services Manager, the ERS-EO Satellite Study Manager, the ERS-EO Security Manager and the IOD/IOV Manager) to form a consistent set of components ensuring the operational nature of EOGS and the fulfilment of the EOGS high-level user needs;

procurement and technical management of the system activities of Element 1 of ERS-EO, including the EOGS architecture study and the technical operational simulator, in accordance with the agreed technical specifications, cost and schedule;

management of the industrial contracts relating to your area of responsibility and interfacing with industry for all project matters;

representation of the project for all system-level discussions with DG DEFIS, Sat Cen and EUSPA;

identification and management of interfaces and synergies with the ERS System of Systems, particularly in relation to the overall security architecture, the transport layer definition — especially in the IOD/IOV — and the performance simulation (integration of EOGS and IRIS² evolution simulators);

management of your multifunctional team and associated support from the Directorates of Earth Observation Programmes, Technology, Engineering and Quality, Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness and Operations, ensuring that all appropriate information is available to all participants so that they can discharge their responsibilities efficiently within the agreed framework;

identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies
Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of and experience in space system performance, design, development, integration, verification and testing

Proven experience of managing space project development

Knowledge of industrial cost and schedule aspects

Complex project risk management processes

Familiarity with procurement aspects

Knowledge of EO space mission operations and operations planning

Knowledge of the specific features of military and dual-use space systems

Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural…