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Programme Controller - Job Opportunity at European Space Agency

Noordwijk, Netherlands
Contract
Senior
Posted: June 25, 2025
On-site
EUR 65,000 - 85,000 annually, reflecting the specialized nature of aerospace programme control, the seniority level indicated by the A2-A4 grade band, and competitive compensation standards for international organizations based in high-cost European locations like Netherlands and France

Benefits

Fixed-term contract providing clear project timeline and deliverables for specialized aerospace experience
Opportunity to work at prestigious ESTEC facility in Netherlands or ESA Headquarters in Paris, offering exposure to cutting-edge space technology
4-year non-renewable contract duration allowing for substantial project involvement and skill development
Access to ESA's comprehensive diversity and inclusion programs with accommodation support for disabilities
International work environment with multilingual capabilities enhancing global career prospects
Direct interface with European space industry leaders and national delegations providing exceptional networking opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive programme control activities across multiple high-value space technology programmes, directly impacting ESA's strategic mission objectives and European space competitiveness
Develop and maintain consolidated programme cost plans, schedule baselines, and resource allocations for multi-million euro space technology initiatives, ensuring optimal resource utilization across complex international projects
Implement enterprise-level planning and control procedures providing full programme visibility to senior ESA management and Member State representatives, directly influencing strategic decision-making processes
Support critical programme reviews by aggregating complex project data and conducting programme-level risk analysis, preparing executive briefings that shape ESA's technology development direction
Identify and mitigate cross-programme dependencies and risk areas, proposing strategic solutions that protect programme integrity and ensure successful delivery of space technology objectives
Coordinate programme-level procurement activities consolidating multi-project tender inputs, directly managing supplier relationships that determine programme success and industrial return requirements
Lead financial year-end closure exercises at programme level, ensuring compliance with ESA financial regulations and supporting audit processes that maintain organizational accountability
Serve as primary interface with ESA corporate functions and external funding bodies for programme reporting, representing programme interests in high-level stakeholder communications
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by implementing uniform procedures and information systems, directly reducing administrative burden while enhancing data quality and process efficiency
Execute proactive programme control functions including comprehensive cost and schedule analysis, supporting executive decision-making processes that determine programme direction and resource allocation

Requirements

Education

A master's degree in engineering or business administration is required for this post

Experience

A solid working background in a discipline relating to the above-mentioned tasks would be a distinct asset

Required Skills

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position Skilled in providing project and programme management support Proven ability in risk management Strong experience with consolidated reporting and executive communication Demonstrated expertise in cost control and financial planning Hands-on experience with resource and activity planning Understanding of the relevant procurement regulations and financial regulatory frameworks Experience in supplier management, including progress monitoring, change control, negotiation and stakeholder management Experience with business process management Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking Strong sense of discretion and client orientation Good understanding of resource management Solid proficiency in IT tools Knowledge of controlling tools, such as SAP, Open Plan, Primavera and MS Project Strong proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, such as Excel advanced functions and Power BI Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges Demonstrated planning and organisational skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The European space sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increasing government investment in space technology, with ESA's budget reaching record levels as member states prioritize space sovereignty and technological independence. This trend creates substantial demand for experienced programme controllers who can manage complex multi-national space initiatives while ensuring efficient resource allocation across diverse stakeholder requirements. Digital transformation in aerospace programme management is revolutionizing how space agencies track and control large-scale technology development programmes, with advanced analytics, AI-driven risk assessment, and real-time programme visibility becoming essential capabilities. Programme controllers who can implement and operate these next-generation control systems are increasingly valuable as organizations seek to maximize programme efficiency and minimize risk exposure. The growing emphasis on commercial space partnerships and public-private collaboration is reshaping programme control requirements, as space agencies must now manage hybrid programmes involving both traditional contractors and innovative commercial space companies. This evolution demands programme controllers with sophisticated supplier management capabilities and the ability to adapt control frameworks to diverse partnership models while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Role Significance

Typically manages programme control activities across multiple programmes simultaneously, interfacing with diverse teams including programme managers, business controllers, procurement specialists, and senior ESA management, suggesting coordination responsibilities for teams ranging from 15-30 professionals across various programme functions
Senior-level position with substantial programme authority and direct reporting relationships to programme managers and business control unit heads, indicating significant decision-making responsibility and strategic influence over multi-million euro space technology programmes that directly impact ESA's mission success

Key Projects

Next-generation satellite technology development programmes focusing on Earth observation, telecommunications, and navigation systems that maintain Europe's competitive position in the global space market Advanced propulsion and space exploration technology initiatives supporting ESA's ambitious missions to Mars, the Moon, and other celestial bodies Critical space infrastructure programmes including ground systems, launch capabilities, and space situational awareness technologies essential for European space sovereignty International cooperation programmes with NASA, JAXA, and other space agencies requiring sophisticated coordination and control mechanisms to ensure successful multi-national collaboration

Success Factors

Exceptional analytical capabilities combined with strategic thinking skills that enable effective risk identification and mitigation across complex multi-programme portfolios, ensuring programme objectives are achieved while maintaining cost and schedule discipline in the challenging aerospace environment. Superior stakeholder management and communication abilities that facilitate effective coordination between diverse international partners, member state representatives, industry contractors, and internal ESA teams, building consensus and maintaining alignment across competing priorities and cultural differences. Deep understanding of aerospace programme management methodologies combined with proficiency in advanced control systems and analytical tools, enabling implementation of best-in-class programme control processes that provide real-time visibility and support data-driven decision making. Strong business acumen and financial management expertise that ensures programme resources are optimized across multiple competing priorities while maintaining compliance with complex regulatory frameworks and international agreements governing space technology development.

Market Demand

High demand driven by expanding European space budgets, increasing complexity of multi-national space programmes, and the critical shortage of experienced aerospace programme management professionals capable of handling the sophisticated control requirements of modern space technology development initiatives

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced programme control and financial planning capabilities are absolutely essential as this role directly manages cost plans, resource allocation, and financial forecasting for multi-million euro space technology programmes where budget overruns or schedule delays can have significant strategic consequences for ESA's mission success and member state confidence. Sophisticated risk management and analytical skills are critical for identifying cross-programme dependencies and developing mitigation strategies in the complex aerospace environment where technical, financial, and political risks can rapidly impact programme viability and stakeholder relationships. Executive-level communication and stakeholder management abilities are fundamental for success given the role's extensive interfaces with senior ESA management, member state representatives, industry executives, and international partners where effective communication directly influences programme support and resource allocation decisions.

Beneficial Skills

Proficiency in advanced data analytics and business intelligence tools including Power BI and advanced Excel capabilities will become increasingly valuable as ESA continues to implement digital transformation initiatives that rely on sophisticated data analysis for programme control and decision support. Deep understanding of European procurement regulations and international space law will provide significant advantages as space programmes become more complex and involve increasing commercial partnerships and international cooperation agreements requiring specialized regulatory knowledge. Experience with agile programme management methodologies and commercial space industry practices will be increasingly beneficial as ESA adapts its programme control approaches to incorporate lessons learned from the rapidly evolving commercial space sector and new partnership models.

Unique Aspects

This position offers rare opportunity to manage programme control activities for groundbreaking space technology development initiatives that directly contribute to European space sovereignty and global leadership in space exploration, providing exposure to technologies that will define the future of human space activities.
The role provides exceptional access to ESA's extensive network of European space industry partners, national space agencies, and international cooperation agreements, creating unparalleled opportunities for professional development and industry relationship building within the global space community.
Working within ESA's Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate offers direct involvement in the most advanced space technology development programmes in Europe, including next-generation propulsion systems, advanced materials, and cutting-edge space systems that push the boundaries of current technological capabilities.
The position's interface with Member State delegations and senior ESA management provides unique exposure to space policy development and strategic decision-making processes that shape European space activities, offering insights into the intersection of technology, politics, and international cooperation in space exploration.

Career Growth

Typical progression to Programme Manager level within 3-5 years given the specialized nature of aerospace programme control experience, with advancement to senior management roles possible within 5-8 years for high-performing individuals who demonstrate strong leadership capabilities and strategic thinking

Potential Next Roles

Programme Manager positions overseeing major ESA technology development programmes with full end-to-end responsibility for programme delivery, stakeholder management, and strategic direction Head of Business Management and Control roles leading entire control functions across ESA directorates, with responsibility for establishing control standards and managing control teams Senior Management positions within ESA including Department Head or Office Head roles with broader organizational leadership responsibilities Executive positions in commercial space companies leveraging ESA experience to lead programme management functions in the rapidly growing commercial space sector

Company Overview

European Space Agency

The European Space Agency represents Europe's gateway to space as an intergovernmental organization with 22 member states, managing an annual budget exceeding EUR 7 billion and employing over 2,200 highly skilled professionals across multiple European locations. ESA coordinates European space activities ranging from Earth observation and navigation to space exploration and technology development, positioning itself as a global leader in space science and technology innovation.

ESA holds a premier position as one of the world's three major space agencies alongside NASA and Roscosmos, with particular strength in Earth observation, planetary science, and international cooperation initiatives. The agency's reputation for technical excellence and successful mission delivery makes it an extremely attractive employer for aerospace professionals seeking to work on cutting-edge space technology programmes with global impact.
ESA's presence across multiple European countries provides unique international career opportunities, with major facilities including ESTEC in the Netherlands for technology development, ESOC in Germany for mission operations, and headquarters in Paris for strategic coordination. This distributed structure offers programme controllers exposure to diverse European space industry ecosystems and extensive networking opportunities across the continent.
ESA maintains a collaborative, multicultural work environment that emphasizes technical excellence, innovation, and international cooperation, with strong commitments to diversity and inclusion. The organization's mission-driven culture attracts highly motivated professionals who value the opportunity to contribute to humanity's understanding and exploration of space while working with cutting-edge technology and world-class scientific teams.
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