CAT Project Manager Job

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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

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;
• 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

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in engineering and, in principle, 10 years of relevant professional experience are required for this post.