VN 25/17 EPS-Sterna Operations Preparation Manager
As part of the next generation of EUMETSAT satellite programmes, the EUMETSAT Polar System Sterna (EPS-Sterna) programme aims at complementing and expanding the Microwave Sounding capability of EPS-SG and JPSS by implementing a constellation of small microwave sounding satellites, which will improve the accuracy of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models globally as well as providing frequent observations for Nowcasting especially at high latitudes which are not well covered by the geostationary satellites (i.e. MSG and MTG).
EUMETSAT will be responsible of the development and operation of the EPS-Sterna System, while the satellites will be procured in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), as the EPS-Sterna satellites will be recurrent models of the ESA Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) with minor adaptations. The initial constellation will be composed of 6 satellites in three different orbital planes that will be replenished throughout the mission lifetime of thirteen years. The EPS-Sterna programme will build on a number of existing assets from the EUMETSAT ground segment infrastructure as well as from the AWS development. This is done to ensure the overall mission affordability as well as a timely delivery of the initial constellation in orbit by .
Interview of this post will be conducted during the first half of. However, the contract for the successful candidate will only be issued after obtaining formal approval of the EPS-Sterna Programme by EUMETSAT Member States, expected in early-July .
The Operation Preparation Manager will be part of the EPS-Sterna ESA EUMETSAT Joint Project Team but will based in EUMETSAT HQ. Frequent exchanges with the ESA team and high level of coordination will be required.
Duties
1. Managing, planning and executing all EPS-Sterna operation preparations activities, to cover system, space and ground segment aspects, preparing the EPS-Sterna operations until successful handover for routine operations;
2. Defining, planning and conducting all EPS-Sterna commissioning and routine operation activities, including LEOP;
3. Exploiting of the AWS in orbit activities to prepare for EPS-Sterna operations;
4. Contributing to space segment activities for all aspects that have a direct impact on, commissioning (including LEOP) and routine operations preparation, modifying operation concepts and plans as necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations;
5. Leading the Operations Preparation team and organising the Operations Preparation Implementation Board (OPIB) meetings;
6. Ensuring the compatibility of operation and maintenance concepts, processes and plans with those used in operations;
7. Leading and overseeing the EPS-Sterna Satellite Simulator development ensuring a timely delivery for operation preparations;
8. Establishing and validating all operation related documents, databases and procedures required for operations of the system during all phases of its lifecycle;
9. Initiating and conducting procurements necessary to perform the operation preparations activities in coordination with other technical departments. This will require interacting with colleagues from the Operations for planning and optimising the resources provided to the Programme in the matrix organisation arrangements;
10. Conducting and coordinating the EPS-Sterna operations validation activities as defined in the Operations Validation Plan;
11. Defining and managing the System Validation Tests (SVTs) between EUMETSAT Control Centre(s) and the satellites at the industrial premises as part of the operations validation activities;
12. Preparing simulation/rehearsal campaigns and performing training of operations and support teams;
13. After handover to operations, providing support the routine operation team with support for all operations aspects including the planning of resources.
LOCATION
Darmstadt, Germany
QUALIFICATIONS
University degree or equivalent in Engineering (in relevant discipline).
LANGUAGES
The official languages of EUMETSAT are English and French. Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and have some knowledge of French.
DEADLINE
31 March
Duties
14. Managing, planning and executing all EPS-Sterna operation preparations activities, to cover system, space and ground segment aspects, preparing the EPS-Sterna operations until successful handover for routine operations;
15. Defining, planning and conducting all EPS-Sterna commissioning and routine operation activities, including LEOP;
16. Exploiting of the AWS in orbit activities to prepare for EPS-Sterna operations;
17. Contributing to space segment activities for all aspects that have a direct impact on, commissioning (including LEOP) and routine operations preparation, modifying operation concepts and plans as necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations;
18. Leading the Operations Preparation team and organising the Operations Preparation Implementation Board (OPIB) meetings;
19. Ensuring the compatibility of operation and maintenance concepts, processes and plans with those used in operations;
20. Leading and overseeing the EPS-Sterna Satellite Simulator development ensuring a timely delivery for operation preparations;
21. Establishing and validating all operation related documents, databases and procedures required for operations of the system during all phases of its lifecycle;
22. Initiating and conducting procurements necessary to perform the operation preparations activities in coordination with other technical departments. This will require interacting with colleagues from the Operations for planning and optimising the resources provided to the Programme in the matrix organisation arrangements;
23. Conducting and coordinating the EPS-Sterna operations validation activities as defined in the Operations Validation Plan;
24. Defining and managing the System Validation Tests (SVTs) between EUMETSAT Control Centre(s) and the satellites at the industrial premises as part of the operations validation activities;
25. Preparing simulation/rehearsal campaigns and performing training of operations and support teams;
26. After handover to operations, providing support the routine operation team with support for all operations aspects including the planning of resources.
Skills and Experience
27. Proven experience in operation preparations and/or operations for a satellite or constellation system. Experience must also include a leading position dealing with planning management, the coordination of activities, risk analysis and associated identification and implementation of mitigation actions;
28. Familiarity with the interface management between a satellite manufacturer and the operations team;
29. Experience in coordinating activities in multidisciplinary team;
30. Experience in operations preparation for a satellite design based on Packet Utilisation Standard;
31. Experience in operations with a SCOS based ground facility is considered as advantage;
32. Experience with working in a formal development environment, following methodologies, standards and processes; with knowledge of development standards and approaches used by EUMETSAT and ESA (European Space Agency) is considered as advantage;
33. Experience in operations with satellite simulator in the loop is considered as advantage;
34. Knowledge or previous experience with Agile and/or DevOps development methods and/or experience with software engineering is considered an advantage;
35. Strong interpersonal and communications skills, and strengths in analysis, synthesis and presentation of complex problems and solutions.
Employment Conditions
The initial contract will be of 4 years’ duration, with subsequent 5 year contracts being awarded thereafter, subject to individual performance and organisation requirements. There is no limit to the amount of follow-up contracts a staff member can receive up to the EUMETSAT retirement age of 63 and there are certainly opportunities to establish a long career perspective at EUMETSAT.
This post is graded A2/A4 on the EUMETSAT salary scales. The minimum basic salary for this post is EURO per month (net of internal tax but excluding pension contribution and insurances) which may be negotiable on the basis of skills and experience. The salary scale provides for increments on the anniversary of taking up employment, and scales are reviewed by the EUMETSAT Council with effect from 1 January each year. In addition to basic salary, EUMETSAT offers attractive benefits. Further information, including salary details, is available on the EUMETSAT web site.
EUMETSAT is committed to providing an equal opportunities work environment for men and women.
Please note that only nationals of EUMETSAT Member States may apply. The EUMETSAT Convention requires that Staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, account being taken of the international character of EUMETSAT. Applicants are required to disclose all nationalities they have held and currently hold in order to determine whether they can exercise the role as advertised in compliance with applicable export control regulations.