Cat Project Manager

October 19, 2026

Office

Lead

Noordwijk, Netherlands

Indeed

Keep in mind

Office-only work

Also worth knowing

English is required
Degree required

Description

Project management role within the Space Safety Programme's ADRIOS missions, based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The manager leads the CAT active debris removal mission through Phases B2/C/D/E, covering industrial contracts, procurement, budget, schedule and risk control. The role includes leading the ESA project team and interfacing with industry consortiums, Programme Boards and Member States on autonomous rendezvous and capture operations.

Responsibilities

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 development of the space segment and ground segment in compliance with cost, schedule and georeturn requirements and compatibility with the future constellation
Management of the industrial CAT contract(s), including negotiation of any changes 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 project risks at ESA level, implementing risk mitigation measures and agreeing on the acceptable level of risk
Planning and active control of the project's cost at completion
Planning and allocating all the resources for the project
Controlling the schedule and 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, interfaces with Member States and 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 other teams in the Department

Requirements

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
Knowledge of system engineering, AIT/AIV and PA standards
Knowledge of industrial cost and schedule aspects
Experience in complex project risk management processes
Knowledge of ESA and industrial procurement processes
Experience in spatialisation of new technologies
A master's degree in engineering and 10 years of relevant professional experience
Experience in implementing small missions with tight schedules and cost constraints
Experience in tailoring the ECSS
A background in robotic systems, functional architecture, GNC or software would be a strong asset
Ability to work autonomously, take initiative and adopt a hands-on approach
Strong leadership with proven stakeholder relationship management and communication skills
Ability to anticipate problems, seek flexible solutions and make pragmatic, timely decisions
Result-oriented approach with ability to set priorities

Conditions

Four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite
Workplace at ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands, in the Operations Directorate
Good knowledge of English or French is required; knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations
Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with support for individuals with disabilities at the workplace
The Agency is transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position