About this role
X Spacecraft Manager Job Requisition ID: 21183 Date Posted: 3 November 2026 Closing Date: 24 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication Method: Internal & External Noordwijk, NL Grade Band: A5 - A5 Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands Description You will join the NewAthena team in the Projects Department of the Directorate of Science, and will functionally report to the NewAthena Project Manager. ESA is responsible for the mission at a whole, including the procurement of a highly complex spacecraft and the launch vehicle, as well as the development of the payload and ground segment.
As the NewAthena Spacecraft Manager, your role will be to manage the procurement of the spacecraft, ensuring compliance with performance, schedule and cost requirements. The number of enabling technologies (from international cooperations) and technical risks are significantly higher than the most technologically advanced science missions. The management of the technical and programmatic risks and compliance with the schedule will be your main challenges.
You will manage a team in charge of the aspects relating to system engineering and spacecraft procurement. For candidates currently in the A2-A4 grade band, a regrade to A5 will take effect following the selection of the NewAthena prime contractor.
Duties
- Supporting the NewAthena Project Manager in the creation of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) documentation for the industrial contract for Phase B2/C/D/E1;
- Ensuring the completion of the spacecraft activities within the agreed budget and schedule (Phases B2/C/D/E1);
- Managing the industrial activities and evaluating the proposed designs, hardware and software solutions, to ensure full compliance with scientific, technical and programmatic requirements and constraints;
- Ensuring the proper flow-down of the mission-level requirements to the different elements of the spacecraft and its interfaces;
- Ensuring the conformity of...