ASTRIS Project Manager - European Space Agency (Paris)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Manage technical and programmatic implementation of ASTRIS development (space segment and ground control segment)
• Manage specifications elaboration, design, development, qualification and assembly of first article
• Prepare exploitation organization with stakeholders and contribute to preparation of first missions
• Prepare Statements of Works, requests for quotation, evaluate industrial offers and conduct procurement negotiations
• Interface with industry for project implementation and manage industrial contracts
• Manage team in charge of ASTRIS and associated support from Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality
• Prepare project plans and organize integrated project reviews
• Manage overall budget allocated to the programme

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's degree in aerospace engineering with focus on space systems and technologies
• Experience: 10 years of relevant professional experience; direct experience in development of space programmes; proven experience leading, motivating and developing a team in project environment; people management experience required; international experience is an asset
• Key skills: Project management techniques, Cost and schedule management, Knowledge of ESA's development, verification and procurement processes, Design, development, assembly, integration, testing and acceptance of space systems, Space system development and PA standards, Project risk management processes, Leadership and team motivation, Strategic direction and organizational alignment, Performance management and cross-team cooperation, Excellent communication skills (oral and written)

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 4 years, extendable to indefinite.

Working arrangements: ESA Headquarters, Paris, France; mobility is inherent to management functions and position may be subject to rotation after approximately five years.

Hiring unit: Directorate of Space Transportation, Ariane Programme.

Position details

Reference

1447151733

Last Verified

18 October 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for ASTRIS Project Manager at ESA based in Paris (Other). The vacancy reference is 1447151733.

Job Requisition ID:20985

Date Posted:13 October 2026

Closing Date:3 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:Internal & External

Type of Appointment (learn more):4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate:Space Transportation

Location ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Description

ASTRIS Project Manager, Ariane Programme, Directorate of Space Transportation

Under the authority of the Head of the Ariane Programme, you will be responsible for the technical and programmatic implementation of the ASTRIS development and the preparation of its exploitation, managing all relevant resources and contracts. As such, you will be responsible for the Astris funds, georeturn, risks, margins and schedules in cooperation with the Business Unit Control Office.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

- managing the technical and programmatic implementation of the ASTRIS development, composed of a space segment and a ground control segment, including specifications elaboration, design, development, qualification assembly of the first article; - preparing the exploitation organization with the various stakeholder and contributing to the preparation of the first missions; - preparing the relevant Statement of works, request for quotation, evaluation of industrial offers and conducting negotiations related to procurement in your area of responsibility; - interfacing with industry for the implementation of the project’s activities, managing the industrial contract(s); - managing the team in charge of Astris and the associated support from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (TEC) and the possible integrated support provided by national organisations; - preparing the relevant project plans and organizing the integrated project reviews; - managing the overall budget allocated to the programme; - reporting of the status and criticalities of the activities in your domain of responsibility on a weekly basis with line management; - preparing the relevant document for the reporting and interfacing with concerned delegations and to the programme board.

You will be assisted by a project team under your direct responsibility, and will receive engineering, PA, safety, procurement and project control support from the Ariane 6 program teams and associated support functions.

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

Technical competencies

Knowledge of project management techniques

Knowledge of cost and schedule aspects related to area of responsibility

Knowledge of ESA's development, verification and procurement processes

Background in the design, development, assembly, integration, testing and acceptance of systems for space applications

Knowledge of other technical domains with interfaces to own area of responsibility

Knowledge of space system development and PA standards

Knowledge of project risk management processes

Behavioural competencies

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in aerospace engineering with focus space systems and technologies is required for this post together with 10 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

- Direct experience in the development of space programmes - Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team in a project environment - The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Astris project and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context - The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation - Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written - A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces - Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills - The ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context - The ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process

People management experience is required, international experience is an asset, including outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities. Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation. Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, starting after approximately five years in this role.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 18 October 2026, today.

The application deadline is 3 November 2026, 14 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 18 October 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Paris see our Paris location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.