As part of the next generation of EUMETSAT satellite programmes, the EUMETSAT Polar System Sterna (EPS-Sterna) programme aims at complementing and expanding the Microwave Sounding capability of both the EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation (EPS-SG) and Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) by implementing a constellation of small microwave sounding satellites, which will improve the accuracy of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models globally as well as providing frequent observations for nowcasting especially at high latitudes which are not well covered by the geostationary satellites (i.e. MSG and MTG).

EUMETSAT will be responsible of the development and operation of the EPS-Sterna System, with the satellites procured in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), as the EPS-Sterna satellites will be recurrent models of the ESA Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) with minor adaptations. The initial constellation will be composed of six satellites in three different orbital planes that will be replenished throughout the mission lifetime of thirteen years. The EPS-Sterna programme will build on a number of existing assets from the EUMETSAT ground segment infrastructure as well as from the AWS development. This is done to ensure overall mission affordability as well as a timely delivery of the initial constellation in orbit by 2029.

Duties

• Manage planning, scheduling, preparation and execution of integration, verification and validation (IV&V) activities of the EPS-Sterna Ground Segment and System;
• Manage definition, planning and execution of the inter-segment compatibility tests (e.g. RF compatibility);
• Manage the IV&V of the external interfaces with Programme Partners, functional and non-functional verification, system performances verification, system validation, until demonstration that all system level requirements and interfaces have been verified and that the system has been validated;
• Refine/prepare and maintain system and ground segment verification matrices and verification control documents, ensuring coherency with space segment and lower level verification activities and progress;
• Manage the IV&V documentation baseline and implement/coordinate the generation of the test documentation (i.e. plans, specifications, procedures, reports as necessary);
• Define all system and ground segment test tools and test data necessary to execute EPS-Sterna activities under responsibility of the job holder and procure / develop them as appropriate in a timely manner;

• Manage the EPS-Sterna IV&V team and cross organisational support, hierarchically and functionally reporting, including IV&V services contracts;
• Contribute, harmonise and monitor the definition and execution of the EPS-Sterna sub-segments (MCO, PDP and MMEs) integration and verification conducted by EPS-Sterna Programme sub-segment teams, by the industrial contractors or partners (ESA, NOAA);
• Manage the EPS-Sterna System validation in cooperation with EPS-Sterna Operations Preparation team, including Satellite-System Validation Tests;
• Provide system V&V support to the Operations Department after the handover of the system to operations and during its maintenance;
• Provide expertise in IV&V matters as required to other programmes within the department;
• Continuously improve the methodologies, processes and tools used in both the programme and the department in accordance with industry and market best practices.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in the field of large system IV&V in particular in Earth Observation end-to-end space systems IV&V;
• Experience in satellite missions, particularly with data processing systems;
• Experience in entry into operations and commissioning preparations of large technical / scientific systems;
• Experience in working with limited resources and under time pressure;
• Ability to re-plan, optimise, prioritise and simplify IV&V activities to keep baseline planning;
• Experience in test planning and execution is an advantage;
• Proven ability to analyse complex projects, set-up and manage teams accordingly, and juggle multiple constraints;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience in leading teams of engineers.