Storable Propulsion Product Manager
Frascati | Rome
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Frascati | Rome
- Grade:
-
Occupational Groups:
- Managerial positions
- Marketing (Digital, Advertisement, Brand, Promotion)
- Closing Date: 2025-05-16
Storable Propulsion Product Manager
Frascati, IT
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
Storable Propulsion Product Manager, Vega-E Project, Flight Programmes, Directorate of Space Transportation.
Under the direct authority of the Vega-E Project Manager, you will be involved in the product management of all the storable propulsion products relevant to Vega and Space Rider developments, including exploitation activities.
Duties
The range of your activities will encompass storable propulsion systems within the Vega and Space Rider programmes, including engines, tanks, propulsion modules/attitude control systems, propulsion equipment, with a particular focus on new green propulsion systems for Vega-C AVUM and Vega-E RACS, and future service modules. Moreover you will support all systems engineering tasks (performance, budget, GNC, etc.) related to the implementation of the new propulsion systems at launch vehicle level.
Finally, your responsibilities will include support for the exploitation activities of the storable propulsion systems in operation (i.e. Vega-C LPS and Hydrazine RACS).
Your specific responsibilities will include managing technical activities related to the design, development, qualification, assembly, integration, testing, acceptance, flight and post-flight of liquid storable propulsion systems for the scope of activities mentioned above.
Your main tasks will include:
- carrying out trade-off analysis at the liquid propulsion systems level, in particular regarding subsystems/equipment layout and including recurrent and non-recurrent cost aspects;
- apportioning technical requirements from the system level to liquid propulsion subsystems;
- drafting statements of work;
- evaluating industrial proposals, negotiating industrial contracts and evaluating industry deliverables;
- preparing and implementing the main project milestones, including specific project reviews at the system and subsystem levels, in your area of responsibility;
- managing the related schedules and associated risks;
- monitoring the manufacturing and acceptance of hardware under your direct responsibility, ensuring compliance of the mission-specific configuration with the product qualification range;
- assessing/resolving flight anomalies/non-conformances and requests for waivers/deviations;
- assessing the evolving definition (ECP) of liquid propulsion systems and their possible impact on the launch vehicle's qualification status;
- following up the technical activities addressing component/material obsolescence and actions aimed at reducing recurrent costs during the exploitation phase.
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Technical competencies
Education
A master's degree in a relevant engineering field is required.
A Ph.D. with proven research activities in space propulsion would be considered an asset.
Additional requirements
- Direct experience in the development of Vega-related products would be considered 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. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged. 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 Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
Applicants 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 Languages
Please 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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.
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.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.