IT Systems Architect
**Job Requisition ID**:19502
**Date Posted**:8 May 2025
**Closing Date**:29 May 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
**Publication**:Internal & External
**Type of Contract**:Permanent
**Directorate**:Science
**Workplace**:Villanueva de la Cañada, ES
**Grade Band**:A2 - A4
**Location**
ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
**Description**
The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics. Its mission is to 'Empower Europe to lead space science'.
The Department for Science and Operations (SCI-S), within ESA's Directorate for Science, host the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations; it develops the science operation systems for the missions and operates the missions in space; it archives and curates their data during operations and beyond. Our main objective is to maximise the scientific output of the missions for the benefit of humankind.
You will be assigned as IT Systems Architect under the direct responsibility of the Head of the Programmatic IT Section in the Data Science and Archives Division within SCI-S.**Duties**
As the IT Systems Architect, you will be responsible for the planning, design, implementation, management, operations and evolution of all scientific and operations programmatic IT infrastructure and systems within the Science Operations Department in accordance with ESA Security Directives and in balance with the cyber and security requirements from ESA space science missions.
You will work in close collaboration with ESA space science missions’ teams within the directorate, as well as with ESA Corporate IT, ESA Security Office, and the relevant ESA cyber and security teams.
Specific responsibilities of IT Systems Architect include:
- supporting the definition and establishment of the IT infrastructure roadmap in alignment with department and Science Operations Centres needs;
- defining, designing, implementing and operating the IT infrastructure services portfolio in alignment with the Department strategy and roadmap;
- producing high-level and detailed designs for IT infrastructure architectures and solutions, integrating all systems needed (servers, storage, computing, virtual infrastructure, backup and other components) and considering future growth and scalability;
- evaluating and proposing appropriate technologies, hardware, and software solutions, for IT infrastructure;
- supporting the Project/System Security Officer (PSSO) and Cyber Security Manager (CSM) for the Science Directorate in guaranteeing compliance of department IT infrastructure with ESA Security and Cybersecurity framework and policies;
- managing all relevant interfaces for Programmatic IT infrastructure, within the Directorate and outside, in particular with ESA’s corporate IT department
- acting as Technical Responsible for industrial and service contracts related to Programmatic IT infrastructure: coordinating and planning inputs, and monitoring and evaluating outputs of these contracts, ensuring they run within cost and schedule;
- interfacing with IT infrastructure vendors, including support to procurement processes, performance monitoring and building positive relationships;
- monitoring and following technological and methodological trends in the field of IT,
- supporting Programmatic IT innovation, fostering new IT infrastructure maintaining state-of-the-art expertise, placing emphasis on innovative concepts and agile prototyping.
**Technical competencies**
IT architecture designIT service and operations managementExperience in IT infrastructure managementKnowledge of the main elements of IT disciplines, such as servers, storage, computing, virtual infrastructure and backup, and related processes, frameworks and implementation technologiesExperience in science operations, preferably in the context of ESA missions**Behavioural competencies**
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingFor more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
**Education**-
**Additional requirements**
Assets for this position include:
- experience in managing complex IT related projects;
- understanding of communication networks;
- experience in ESA procurement processes and contract management as well as applied negotiation skills;
- knowledge of ESA corporate IT services;
- knowledge of ESA's security policy and security framework.
**Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness**Important Information and Disclaimer**-
- Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
- The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.