Microwave Instruments Study Project Manager

Job Description:

A vacancy for Study Project Manager within the Microwave Instruments Future Projects and Proposals department based in Airbus Defence and Space in Getafe (Madrid) The postholder will be responsible for managing the study team, composed of a variety of experienced people in charge of the different aspects of the study for active and passive microwave instruments for future Earth Observation space missions, and will be accountable for the successful activities completion and project deliverables. He/she will also be responsible for leading the preparation of proposals for future phase studies and eventually for their implementation. This includes passive microwave radiometers, synthetic aperture radars (SAR), altimeters, scatterometers, reflectometry and any innovative technique related to Earth observation by means of a microwave system.

RESPONSIBILITIES In particular, the candidate will be engaged to the one or several of the current running studies in Airbus Defence and Space and will be responsible of the following:

Meeting the technical, programmatic and financial objectives of the study,

• Discuss, understand and share the context and strategy of the study notably with the Future Programs and the Marketing and Sales departments

• Define and agree the objectives to be met to efficiently prepare for the mission implementation phase

Leading the study,

• Define the implementation strategy to meet the objectives, share it and give meaning to your stakeholders,

• Set clear expectations for milestones to come and communicate them to the team

• Give perspective for the next steps, typically 6-12 months timeframe

• Cover all aspects like technical, programmatic, industrial, procurement, costing, etc. Keeping in mind the implementation phase as an objective.

• Identify possible suppliers together with Procurement in order to perform the required pre-development activities

• Provide support to the definition of the industrialization of the microwave instrument in preparation for the implementation phase together with the industrial manager and the system engineer

Managing and coordinating the study team activities,

• Take care of the team dynamics, team spirit, level of information and openminded / speak-up atmosphere

• Define the sequence of activities to be performed by the team, set the list of associated deliverables and nominate owners

• Perform Project Management activities such as scheduling, work management, risks assessments, steering meetings as necessary for efficiency

• Proactive Risk and Opportunity Management, contractual and schedule management, budget and cost controlling.

Steering the cost estimates and design-to-cost activities

• Steer the cost estimates activity for the instrument implementation with Cost Engineers, gathering all necessary inputs and challenging them appropriately, performing benchmark

• Define and justify the appropriate margins to be considered, and the related risks

• Lead the design-to-cost activities, identify cost drivers, bring best value for money, find compromises with the customer and finally meet the targeted budget

Coordinating with the end-customer and with the internal / external teams in charge of the mission study

• Be the first interface to the customer for all topics related to the instrument studies, and in case of a no mission activity within Airbus act as an Airbus representative.

• Control the communication flow between Airbus and the customer

• Manage customer expectations in order to reach a common view point on the design and development solution to be affordable and competitive

Identifying the appropriate resources to conduct the study

• Ensure the effective performance of the proposed study team, identify any shortcomings and, if necessary, escalate to the head of Microwave

• Instruments Future Programs department.

Reporting and escalating to management

• Report to the management on the progress and issues, escalate as necessary

• Request adequate support to meet your objectives

Business travels can be expected on monthly basis within Europe and consequently, you must be willing to travel accordingly.

SKILLS We are looking for candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Educated to master level in Engineering.

• 5 years’ experience in Engineering or Industrial management (in the field of mission, platform and/or payload would be a plus)

• 3 years’ experience in Project Management or integrated into an operational project team (either in a study or an implementation phase)

• Having gone through an implementation phase bid is a plus

• Demonstrated abilities to manage a team, be an active listener, and develop the right team spirit for a project, boost enthusiasm and engagement.

• Able to lead and work in a multi-disciplinary, systems transnational environment.

• Be able and willing to organise activities, define priorities, give clear guidelines and take difficult decisions

• Have the ability to quickly understand various technical, industrial and programmatic drivers and propose a clear way forward with a solid plan and alternatives

• Have demonstrated ability to deliver on time, cost, quality on several project conditions and are interested into business development

• Knowledge of ESA program phases and development cycles

• Innovative, entrepreneurial and industrial mindset.

• Challenge the status quo, negotiation skills

• International experience is considered an asset

• Language skills: Advanced or fluent level in English, French, German or Spanish would be an asset

WHICH BENEFITS WILL YOU HAVE AS AIRBUS EMPLOYEE? At Airbus we are focused on our employees and their welfare. Take a look at some of our social benefits:

• Vacation days plus additional days-off along the year.

• Attractive salary.

• Hybrid model of working when possible, promoting the work-life balance.

• Collective transport service in some sites.

• Benefits such as health insurance, employee stock options, retirement plan, or study grants.

• On-site facilities (among others): free canteen, kindergarten, medical office.

• Possibility to collaborate in different social and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

• Excellent upskilling opportunities and great development prospects in a multicultural environment.

• Special rates in products & benefits.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company: Airbus Defence and Space SAU

Employment Type: Permanent

Experience Level: Professional

Job Family: Programme & Project Management

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