AIT, Operations and Launcher Interface Manager

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Job Requisition

Date Posted: 19 February 2026

Closing Date: 12 March 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate:
Earth Observation Programmes

Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT), Operations and Launcher Manager for the Sterna Project, Meteorological Programmes, Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The Sterna project is the operational follow‑on to the successful Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) project, where a prototype satellite (PFM) for the subsequent Sterna constellation of satellites was developed and qualified using a New Space approach. The Sterna constellation will consist of a total of 20 satellites.

The EPS‑Sterna programme is being carried out in collaboration with EUMETSAT, whereby ESA will procure, on behalf of EUMETSAT, the Sterna satellites based on the heritage and qualifications established through the AWS development and in‑orbit experience. Sterna satellites will fly on three different orbital planes with a minimum of two satellites in each orbital plane. The primary payload for Sterna is a multi‑frequency total power microwave radiometer to provide atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles.

As the Sterna satellites are based on AWS, Sterna will consist of Phases D/E only. The first six satellites are planned for launch in 2029, with subsequent in‑orbit replenishment at approximately four‑ to five‑year intervals to provide operational services until the mid‑2040s.

You will manage the Sterna satellites’ AIT, operations and launch service aspects, including launch campaigns, and will report to the Sterna Project Manager within Meteorological Programmes, Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• management of the AIT, Operations and Launcher Team, defining day‑to‑day tasks and objectives, setting annual performance objectives and assessing performance, including training needs, ensuring motivation and commitment to project goals;
• supporting the Sterna Project Manager in relation to risks, schedule management and mitigations;
• supporting the Systems and Engineering Section with respect to the Sterna satellites’ verification approach and to ensure compliance between the AIT approach and the verification approach;
• supporting the Product Assurance Section with materials, parts and process reviews to guarantee compatibility with Sterna PA requirements;
• supporting EUMETSAT in launch service selection and compliance with Sterna satellites;
• coordinating the launch campaigns for the Sterna satellites;
• ensuring availability of additional support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality as necessary;
• coordination with other Sterna teams, such as System and Engineering and Product Assurance, to ensure consistency of testing and performance, including end‑to‑end instrument performance, with system‑level needs;
• coordination with EUMETSAT Sterna teams regarding flight operations procedures, satellite databases and launch services, providing support and planning to EUMETSAT in relation to system‑level tests;
• closely monitoring the industrial production of the platforms and payloads, as well as the associated facilities capacity, taking into account the serial production necessary for the Sterna satellites;
• ensuring timely procurement of all equipment, GSE and facilities necessary for Sterna satellites;
• ensuring satellite testing and a delta qualification approach based on selected launch service requirements; this includes critical review of test plans, procedures, facilities and test reports;
• participating in Nonconformance Review Boards, Configuration Control Boards and Change Review Boards as appropriate and ensuring early recovery actions when necessary;
• ensuring that necessary deliveries are made to EUMETSAT and to launch service providers;
• maintaining the satellite‑to‑launcher interface document(s) in cooperation with EUMETSAT.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

In carrying out these tasks,…