Explore ESA’s Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (TEC) with our Human Resources Advisors

Often when a new ESA mission is envisioned, the technology that will make it possible does not exist – yet. It is the job of ESA’s Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (TEC) to identify the required enabling innovations, make them a reality and bring them up to the necessary level of performance and reliability (called Technology Readiness Level or TRL) so that the right technology is ready at just the right time.

In addition, TEC engineers help define the feasibility and requirements of each programme and initiative from their initial stages, as well as providing technical support in the implementation and verification phases.

In this edition of our careers’ newsletter, we interview three Human Resources Advisors who will guide you through the opportunities and challenges in TEC and share their perspectives on work and life at ESA.

Matija Grgurinovic

Can you briefly tell us more about yourself?

My name is Matija, I am a German-Croatian national, and my background is in Social Sciences and Human Resources. Before joining ESA, I held various HR positions in a similar, international, research-focused organisation. My two other colleagues and I all joined ESA two and a half years ago, bringing experience from industry and the intergovernmental sector.

What does a typical day at the Agency look like for you?

On a day-to-day basis, we serve as a primary point of contact for employees and managers in TEC, addressing a variety of enquiries related to performance evaluations, career development, training opportunities and more. A significant portion of our role revolves around overseeing the recruitment and selection process, even more so in this period given the current ESA recruitment wave. We also regularly meet with HR colleagues from other ESA directorates where we can freely exchange experiences, ask questions and learn from one another in a professional yet friendly atmosphere.

Louise Couvreur

Can you tell us about yourself and your current duties at ESA?

My name is Louise, I am Belgian and my background is in Communications and Human Resources Management. I have always worked in HR and in people-oriented positions.

Any special moment that you recall during your time at ESA?

Attending the screening of the JUICE mission launch was an incredibly special moment for me. Surrounded by colleagues in a conference room at ESA’s establishment in the Netherlands (ESTEC), we eagerly awaited the start of the launch. As the countdown began, a hushed silence fell over the room. Watching JUICE soar into the sky and following its trajectory was mesmerising. It reminded me of our small place in the vastness of the galaxy and the incredible distance JUICE would cover. Witnessing the concrete result of teamwork, fuelled by the dedication of hardworking individuals and meticulous organisation, left a lasting impact. The experience was truly inspiring, highlighting the boundless potential that can be achieved when collective efforts come together.

?Florent Confort

Can you tell us about yourself and your current duties at ESA?

I’m Florent, of French nationality. My background is in Human Resources and Business Management. Before joining ESA, I developed my HR skills in the aerospace industry for about ten years and that is where I got to know ESA's role in the space industry and the fascinating missions it designs.

What do you think makes ESA a unique place to work?

Working at ESA offers a remarkable opportunity to gain insights into the diverse facets of the European space industry while actively contributing to an array of space missions, often from A to Z. One of the standout aspects of this environment is the strong emphasis on fostering international collaboration. This sets ESA apart from space companies where professionals primarily work on national defence projects.

ESA is a place where you have the chance to meet extraordinary individuals who can profoundly influence and shape your professional career.

Beyond the professional sphere, joining ESA also presents a unique opportunity for those seeking an expatriate experience. You can embark on an exciting journey to explore life in countries such as the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, the UK and more. Immerse yourself in new cultures, embrace diversity and enrich your personal life while pursuing your career at ESA!

We also asked Matija, Louise and Florent about ESA’s current and future recruitment strategies and challenges, what a new recruit can expect from ESA and if they had any hints and tips for potential candidates.

In March, we announced that 2023 would see the publication of over 300 vacancies at ESA. Can you tell us more about these vacancies?

Matija Grgurinovic: The HR Department is actively engaged in managing an ongoing retirement wave, which will see approximately a quarter of our staff members retire over the next four years and which is reaching its peak in 2023 and 2024. In March, ESA announced that over 300 vacancies would be published throughout 2023. These include vacancies which are a direct result of this retirement wave as well as an additional 200 posts granted by ESA Member States at the November 2022 Ministerial Council. This presents both challenges and opportunities as we seek to recruit the next generation of talented individuals to join us at ESA. We recognise the significance of this task and are actively working with various departments, both within and outside the Human Resources Department, all of whose support and collaboration have been invaluable in addressing this challenge. By approaching this situation in a collaborative and strategic manner, we are confident in our ability to navigate this recruitment wave and shape a promising future for ESA.

In which domains is TEC looking to hire, now and in the future?

Matija Grgurinovic: TEC is looking for professionals who can support ESA’s missions. The vacancies will address the need for technical know-how in the following engineering domains related to developing satellites and launchers: Radio Frequency Systems, Antennas, Propulsion, Navigation, Electrical, Microwave, Structures and Mechanisms, Systems, Earth Observation, Environmental Science and Optical.

Florent Confort: Recruitment priorities at ESA may change based on programme needs, but because TEC has a transversal function within the matrix organisation of ESA, the Directorate’s own strategy is primarily to support all the programmes, missions and strategies of ESA.

Matija Grgurinovic: In addition to technical expertise, our future colleagues should have team spirit, curiosity and a passion for space and thrive in a diverse and multicultural workplace.?

From your perspective, what are the main workforce challenges the Agency will face in the future?

Matija Grgurinovic: The European space sector is relatively small, which presents a challenge in terms of the availability of technical experts. Furthermore, as with other international organisations, ESA may only hire nationals of its Member or Associate States. Since the space sector has expanded in recent decades, there are more opportunities for professionals in this field and so ESA faces greater competition attracting the best talent the European market has to offer. Despite these challenges, ESA continues to grow in terms of projects and missions and so it is crucial that we secure the necessary expertise.

Can you explain how the matrix organisation works at ESA and what impact this has on recruitment?

Florent Confort: The matrix structure at ESA enables the Agency to leverage the skills and knowledge of professionals from various disciplines, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to space exploration and research while boosting knowledge sharing and expertise. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of projects and missions, TEC often seeks candidates with diverse skills and expertise to provide project support and work on technology development activities. You may be asked to focus on one main project or to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Therefore, while specialised knowledge in a specific field is valuable, the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team and collaborate across disciplines is also highly desirable. This requires candidates to demonstrate their technical expertise, project management skills and ability to contribute to project goals.

How do you see the ESA entry-level programmes supporting the Agency's future recruitment needs?

Florent Confort: ESA's entry-level programmes play a crucial role in supporting the Agency's future recruitment needs. They attract and develop talented individuals at the early stages of their careers, nurturing their skills and preparing them for future roles within ESA or outside ESA in the European space industry and beyond. With the recent creation of the Junior Professional Programme, I believe there is now a clearer ESA career path that we can propose to young professionals (Internship > YGT > Junior Professional Programme > ESA staff member). While it is obviously possible to move from one programme to another as shown, it is of course also possible to jump in and apply for a specific programme.

What support can a new recruit expect from the Agency, especially if they need to relocate?

Louise Couvreur: If you join ESA, you can expect to receive extensive support with your relocation, including support with finding accommodation. Your removal expenses will be reimbursed and you can expect to receive an installation allowance to help you settle into your new home. Our salaries take into account the cost of living in the country where you will be living and various other allowances are also available, based on your personal circumstances. We offer a comprehensive medical insurance scheme as well as annual medical check-ups.

An extensive portfolio of training courses is available to support your professional development and both you and your partner will have the option to participate in subsidised language classes to ease your integration into your new country.

In keeping with our wish to promote a family-friendly environment, ESA offers flexible working arrangements, including teleworking, and many ESA establishments have childcare centres close by. You will also benefit from a generous annual leave allocation.

Last and not least, ESA offers a range of onsite facilities at reduced rates, such as coffee bars and restaurants, and various social, cultural and sports activities are available to you and your family.

All of this information, and much more, is available on our website here .

After joining ESA, what can new team members expect?

Louise Couvreur: If you start a new job at ESA, you will be assigned a buddy who will assist you during your initial months by offering advice, guidance and support, as well as helping you navigate the day-to-day aspects of working at the Agency.

We also organise Newcomer Events where you can meet colleagues who joined ESA around the same time as you, start to build your networks and get detailed information about the Agency. For TEC staff, we have a special onboarding event where you can visit the labs, explore the site and meet individuals connected to TEC.

Additionally, we have an online onboarding module that offers useful links and information to assist you in adjusting to your new workplace. This module includes documents, presentations, site maps and other resources to help you settle into your new role at ESA.

What recommendations would you give to someone looking to apply for a job at ESA?

Florent Confort: If you're interested in applying for a job at ESA, I would suggest focusing on developing your technical expertise and gaining some practical experience as the space industry requires a strong foundation in this area. However, it is worth noting that ESA also recruits more early-career professionals than you might think. So, if you're looking to join ESA early in your career, my primary recommendation would be to avoid getting too entrenched in a narrow technical role. Instead, try to broaden your perspective and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the entire lifecycle of space projects as far as you can.

Furthermore, it is crucial to comprehend that there are differences between your role within ESA compared to working in industry and to see whether the type of work we offer aligns with your career expectations at your current stage. Understanding the nuances of working at ESA can help you make an informed decision about pursuing opportunities within the organisation.

Hence, engaging with ESA professionals, researchers and experts in the space industry through participation in conferences, workshops and seminars related to space technology and exploration can significantly enhance your understanding, network and visibility. Additionally, consider connecting with ESA HR professionals or other ESA colleagues on LinkedIn. This way, you'll have a better understanding of job opportunities when they are shared in your feed.

TEC develops processes, methods and technologies to allow Europe to fully benefit from the early introduction of new technologies. Technology developments from all competence domains are critical to achieving this goal. Helps us in our mission of the peaceful exploration of space for the benefit of everyone by joining our teams across Europe.

Could ESA be the next step in your career? Read more here and apply now !