Key Skills

Job Description

CAT Project Manager Job Requisition ID: 20988 Date Posted: 16 October 2026 Closing Date: 6 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication Method: Internal & External Type of Appointment (learn more): 4 years, extendable to indefinite Directorate: Operations Workplace: Noordwijk, NL Grade Band: A2 - A4 Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands Description The ADRIOS (Active Debris Removal [ADR] and In-Orbit Servicing [IOS]) missions, undertaken in the framework of ESA's Space Safety Programme, aim to establish viable ADR and IOS capabilities and services in Europe, such as rendezvous, inspection, capture, life extension, relocation, de-orbiting or repair of satellites. The Mission Implementation Division of the Space Safety Programme is responsible for implementing these missions, including the CAT mission, through Phases B2/C/D/E. The ever-increasing number of satellites in orbit poses a significant risk to operational spacecraft and the sustainability of space activities. As the number of satellites increases, so does the risk of collisions and the creation of space debris. The ESA CAT mission aims to demonstrate ADR capabilities for a prepared client satellite equipped with ESA's standard navigation and mechanical interfaces, known as MICE. This involves performing rendezvous and capture operations fully autonomously. In line with ESA’s Zero Debris by 2030 initiative, the CAT-IOD mission is paving the way for the future of Active Debris Removal (ADR). ADRIOS missions often involve relatively new space companies with ambitions in the commercial market, requiring ESA project teams to provide specialist expertise and to adopt a pragmatic approach. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to pioneering space sustainability technologies under the Space Safety Programme, helping to advance satellite servicing, debris mitigation, and sustainable orbital operations. Duties Your key responsibilities will include: active contribution to Phase B1 of the CAT project to ensure a smooth transition to the implementation phases; end-to-end procurement of Phase B2/C/D/E; hands-on technical management of the CAT project, covering the development of the space segment and ground segment, in compliance with the agreed technical and programmatic requirements, i.e. cost, schedule and georeturn, and ensuring compatibility with the future constellation; management of the industrial CAT contract(s), including the negotiation of any changes, in coordination with the Contracts Officer and the Project Controller; preparing and conducting project reviews, in close cooperation with the Inspector General’s Office; management of the CAT ESA Project Team, including prioritisation of activities and key areas requiring attention; ensuring the availability of and coordinating additional experts from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality; identifying the project risks at ESA level, implementing risk mitigation measures and agreeing on the acceptable level of risk when issues arise; planning and active control of the project's cost at completion; planning and allocating all the resources for the project; controlling the schedule, implementing schedule risk mitigation/recovery actions when needed; reporting regularly to management and escalating problems when required; supporting the Head of Division with: ESA Programme Boards ESA internal committees (AC/IPC) interfaces with Member States preparation of the Council meeting at ministerial level applying pragmatic decision-making processes to balance ideal solutions with project constraints; sharing experience and knowledge with industry in a constructive and result-oriented manner; capturing and sharing lessons-learned with other project managers in the Division, and with other teams in the Department. Technical competencies More than 10 years of hands-on experience in spacecraft Phase B2/C/D/E Technical management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews and management of large industrial consortiums System engineering, AIT/AIV and PA standards Knowledge of industrial cost and schedule aspects Complex project risk management processes Knowledge of ESA and industrial procurement processes Experience in spatialisation of new technologies 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 Education And Professional Experience A master's degree in engineering and, in principle, 10 years of relevant professional experience are required for this post. Additional Requirements Experience in implementing small missions with tight schedules and cost constraints; Experience in tailoring the ECSS; A background in robotic systems/functional architecture/GNC/software/would be a strong asset. You should also: be able to work autonomously, take initiative and adopt a hands-on approach; demonstrate strong leadership, with proven stakeholder relationship management and communication skills; be able to anticipate problems, seek flexible solutions and make pragmatic, timely decisions; be result-oriented and able to set priorities 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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. 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 [email protected]. Important Information and Disclaimer 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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States. 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. Who we recruit » Recruitment Process » What we offer » Life at ESA » FAQ »

Core Responsibilities

Manage the CAT mission from implementation planning through Phases B2/C/D/E, including procurement, technical development of the space and ground segments, industrial contracts, reviews, and project team coordination. Control project cost, schedule, resources, and risks; report to management and support programme boards, Member State interfaces, and ministerial Council preparations.

Requirements

A master's degree in engineering and, in principle, 10 years of relevant professional experience are required, including hands-on spacecraft project management through Phases B2/C/D/E and experience managing industrial activities and large consortia. Candidates should have experience with small missions, tight cost and schedule constraints, and ECSS tailoring; robotics, functional architecture, GNC, or software experience is an asset, alongside strong leadership, communication, and pragmatic decision-making skills.