Project Scheduler - European Space Agency

Project Scheduler - European Space Agency - The Netherlands - Hybrid Overview: Want to contribute to one of Europe’s most ambitious space programmes? We are supporting the European Space Agency (ESA) in building their teams at ESTEC in Noordwijk (Netherlands). For this role, you will support IRIS² , Europe’s secure satellite constellation for governmental communication, defence, and strategic autonomy. We are looking for an experienced Project Scheduler with a background in space , defence, or similarly complex regulated industrie s to strengthen ESA’s project control capabilities. You will be embedded within ESA project teams, driving forward schedule and risk management activities across IRIS² related missions and programmes. You will act as a key interface between ESA and industrial partners, ensuring planning consistency, transparency, and performance control. Role Responsibilities: Developing an integrated master schedule and actively maintain and control detailed project schedules and baselines throughout the project lifecycle. Coordinating planning activities across multiple stakeholders, balancing competing priorities between ESA teams, industrial partners, and programme interfaces to ensure schedule consistency. Performing advanced schedule analysis, including: Critical and near-critical path analysis Trend and variance analysis Schedule performance assessments Identifying schedule risks, deviations and emerging issues and proposing mitigation or recovery actions Supporting major project reviews (e.g. PDR, CDR, reviews boards) with planning input Preparing clear and concise reports, dashboards, and planning documentation for stakeholders Running “what-if” scenarios and schedule simulations to support management decisions Contributing to risk identification, analysis, and mitigation planning Supporting simulations and risk-adjusted schedule assessments Maintaining and controling a consistent schedule baseline, adapting to evolving requirements, technical changes, and programme decisions while preserving planning integrity Supporting continuous improvement of ESA planning processes, tools, and standards Essential Skills & Experience: A degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or another relevant STEM field Proven experience in project scheduling within space programmes (experience in defence, aerospace, nuclear, or other highly regulated industries is also considered) Strong knowledge of schedule analysis techniques (critical path, baselines, KPIs, trend analysis) Understanding of risk management concepts and schedule-risk interactions Experience with risk simulation techniques (in particular Monte Carlo analysis) Strong hands-on expertise with MS Project and/or Primavera P6 Structured, analytical, and detail-oriented approach Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder programme environments Excellent communications skills in English (minimum level C1) Eligibility for ESA/EU SECRET personnel security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such a clearance Desireable Skills & Experience: Previous experience with ESA or similar institutional environments Exposure to large-scale international programmes or satellite systems Experience supporting industrial schedule assessments and procurement activities Package: Full-time position based at ESTEC (Noordwijk, NL) Work on Europe’s flagship secure satellite programme (IRIS²) International, high-tech working environment Competitive salary package based on experience Long-term opportunity within ESA programmes Ready for this new challenge? Apply now and let’s get in touch! Octagon Professionals International is a full-service recruitment and HR services firm with 38 years of experience in the European and international markets. Our large network of professionals across multiple functional areas, and a multi-national team provide flexible solutions customized to individual client needs. Privacy Notice: In order to apply for this vacancy you must submit your personal information to Octagon Professionals. Octagon Professionals will collect, use, and process your personal information as mentioned in our Privacy Policy. Our policy and processing of your personal information is compliant with the GDPR.