Market Development Support Expert

Job Description

• Support the MDS Service organise the service so that it complements the work of the ESA programme (in this case, in-Space Transportation), allowing the commercial operating model to be designed along technical derisking activities.
• Support and advise the ESA Technical Responsible and the In-Space Transportation Lead on the options available to ensure proper governance of this work, that enables adequate oversight and participation of key external and internal actors, allowing for the context within which ESA operates.
• Support the MDS service through assessing and evaluating business cases submitted by industrial partners/companies participating the In-Space Transportation Programme.
• Support the MDS service through assisting in the design and development of innovative business models that will be required for the success of the In-Space Transportation system as delivered by commercial and non-commercial partners.
• Support the MDS service through engaging with key stakeholders at European and national levels to identify regulatory requirements that will be essential in supporting future In-Space Transportation markets in Europe.
• Support the MDS service through carrying out required analyses to determine any funding requirements at a company, infrastructure, government, or any other appropriate level, deemed essential to deliver In-Space Transportation services on a commercially sustainable basis.
• Support the MDS service in working with experts within and without ESA to determine which capital models may be required and how they can be delivered, in order to ensure the provision of suitable public and private financing for the In-Space Transportation sector.
• Support the MDS service by engaging with various ESA programme leads and project heads, and procurement experts and specialists, to determine how ESA may leverage its role as a procuring agency to seed demand for future In-Space Transportation services.
• Support the MDS service in carrying out any analysis required to successfully deliver the areas under this work package, including supporting in the identification and management of suitable external partners/consultancies/experts who may carry out further additional analysis as required.
• Support the ESA Technical Responsible in identifying other programmes or projects for high relevance in the delivery of a commercial operating model for In-Space Transportation and onboarding them as part of the MDS effort.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in engineering or relevant doscipline;
• At least 10 years of working experience, with at least 3 years in a space field;
• Must have more than 5 years of policy experience, ideally at a senior government level;
• Must be able to demonstrate experience of developing, managing, and overseeing complex programmes and projects with public and private stakeholders with value exceeding >50 MEUR;
• Must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges related to Space commercialisation in Europe and the mission of the European Space Agency;
• Fluent in English;
• Experience in relevant areas such as commercialisation, technology transfer, application, and/or technology assessment and intellectual property is a distinct advantage;
• Must have experience in management teams, spread across multiple locations
• Familiarity with the services provided by ESA is an asset;
• Experience in foresight studies/projects is an asset;
• Working with international partners is an asset.

Additional Information

This job is located in Harwell, UK but also in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

If you think you have what it takes for this job, please send your CV (in English and in Word or PDF) to Leandros Foteinias, by clicking on the button “Apply for this job” quoting job UK-HP-26023.

An exciting and dynamic international working environment awaits you!

Inclusive and committed employer, our company works every day to combat all forms of discrimination and promote a respectful working environment. That's why, committed to gender diversity and overall inclusivity, we encourage all applications and profiles. 

Last apply date: 15/05/2026!