Head of the ESO Space Security Assurance Management Office - European Space Agency (Noordwijk)

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.

Position details

Reference

1419889733

Last Verified

6 August 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Head of the ESO Space Security Assurance Management Office at ESA based in Noordwijk (Other). The vacancy reference is 1419889733.

Job Requisition ID:20805

Date Posted:28 July 2026

Closing Date:18 August 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication:Internal & External

Directorate:Resources and Services

Workplace: Frascati, IT Noordwijk, NL Paris, FR

Location

ESRIN, Frascati, Italy or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or ESA HQ, Paris, France

## Description

Head of the ESO Space Security Assurance Management Office, ESA Security Office (ESO), Directorate of Resources and Services.

Reporting to the Head of the Security Office as Head of Space Programme Security Assurance, you will be responsible for managing the ESA Security Office activities related to security risk management, security assurance, certification and accreditation for space programmes (ESA, EU and Third Party), during their whole life cycle, in synergy with and in support of the ESA directorates concerned.

## Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

* For programmes under ESA’s responsibility, managing the full security accreditation/certification process for space programmes, up to the issuance of the accreditation/certification statement; * For programmes under a third party’s responsibility, managing the preparation of the accreditation/certification dossier, in close coordination with the relevant programme/project team, up to its submission and presentation to the third party’s Security Accreditation Authority/Board; * Ensuring coherence and harmonisation of accreditation strategies and processes for EU and Third‑Party Programmes/Projects with the applicable security frameworks, including the ESA Security Regulations, Directives and Strategy; * Managing the ESO Space Programme Security Assurance Team, providing matrix support to specific space programmes/projects in order to: * develop and maintain an independent, high‑level security risk analysis and threat assessment to assess the project’s security posture and residual risks; * perform independent security assurance engineering analyses to propose the baseline system security posture and the minimum set of security requirements; * define tailored security accreditation/certification strategies for each space project; * establish accreditation/certification plans, identifying design solutions and requirements subject to verification or audit; * conduct the overall accreditation/certification process; * supervise the correct development and implementation of security measures in compliance with applicable security requirements; * organise and perform audits and penetration tests to assess the project’s cybersecurity implementation level; * analyse any baseline deviations potentially impacting the system’s accreditation/certification; * review industry‑driven security architectures, designs, RFD/RFWs, and qualification status to provide system security impact assessments.

* Interfacing with industry on all matters related to system and service security certification/accreditation, in coordination with the programme/project teams; * Supervising the implementation of cybersecurity strategies for each space programme and supporting the Head of ESO in all relevant security matters; * Defining an annual Space Programme Audit Plan for ESA space programmes/projects; * Supporting the Head of ESO in maintaining relationships with ESA Member States, EU institutions, and Security Authorities, ensuring coherence and harmonisation between EU and ESA accreditation processes; * Maintaining relationships with ESA directorates, also acting as the Security Assurance Matrix Provider, to ensure alignment between internal stakeholders’ security and programmatic requirements and the ESA security assurance process; * Reviewing security aspects of partnerships with third parties for the development of space programmes/projects/activities and related cooperative frameworks; * Supporting the Head of ESO in defining security‑related cooperation strategies and joint objectives with ESA Member States, the EU, and other third parties involved in security; * Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of space and security domains within Member States and European institutions to remain informed of developments relevant to ESA activities and programmes.

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

## Technical competencies

In-depth knowledge of ESA space programmes/projects and ESA internal processes

In-depth knowledge of the EU space programme/projects and EU internal processes

In-depth knowledge of the ESA and EU security accreditation process

In-depth knowledge of the ESA Security Framework, security risk management frameworks and processes, based on major standards and methodologies

Strong ability to coordinate within ESA and with external stakeholders, including Member States, the EU and national authorities

## Behavioural competencies

## Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in engineering is required for this post together with 12 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience may be considered.

## Additional requirements

* The potential to manage individuals or a team; * The ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment; * Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills; * The ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback; * Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills; * Strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing; * The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.

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 28 July 2026, 8 days ago.

The application deadline is 18 August 2026, 11 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 6 August 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 Noordwijk see our Noordwijk location page.

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