France Alumni Day: 3 questions to Nicolas Maubert, 2001 ISAE-SUPAERO alumni in in space telecommunications, space systems and electrical engineering

ID card:

• Name: MAUBERT Nicolas
• Background: Engineer
• Nationality: French
• Country of Residence: USA
• Job: Space Counselor to the French Embassy and French Space Agency (CNES) Representative in the USA
• Studies at ISAE-SUPAERO: Master in space telecommunications, space systems and electrical engineering exchange program with École Polytechnique de Montréal
• Graduation Year: 2001

Can you tell us about your background?

For more than 20 years, I have dedicated my professional career to the space sector, in a wide range of industry and government agency organizations, and in various international environments (Europe, South, and North America).

I’ve had the good fortune to hold a wide variety of positions in space program management, systems engineering and launch operations, and to have been heavily involved in consolidating French space policy. In particular, I was technical and operational manager of satellite preparation campaigns for CNES at the “Centre Spatial Guyanais” (64 launches - 96 satellite campaigns between 2013 and 2019), responsible for engineering and deployment of the Galileo navigation program at ESA in the Netherlands (2009-2013), and manager of telecommunication satellite development programs and mission centers for Thales Alenia Space in Italy and France (2001-2009).

Since 2019, my missions have been to represent the French space industry in the United States, to maintain our scientific and technological cooperation, and to support our commercial private sector in exports, all in the service of our diplomatic relationship. In this position, having a background and experience in engineering is a real asset and a guarantee of credibility with our American contacts.

Why did you decide to pursue an international career?

When I was younger, I was lucky enough to grow up in French Guiana and travel a lot with my family. I have a real appetite for long-term stays abroad, which enable me to discover other cultures, but also to develop my own vision of the world. Space has enabled me to develop professionally in different countries in Europe and America.

Today, in a globalized world (and against a backdrop of rising nationalism in many countries), I think it’s essential to have experiences abroad and that no book or program can replace that, both professionally and personally, to try to understand the world.

What advice would you give to someone looking for an international career?

Take the plunge!

The hardest thing is undoubtedly taking the first step, stepping out of your comfort zone. Personally, nothing was premeditated or calculated, but each experience abroad has opened up new horizons, new ways of thinking and new international career opportunities. Because these experiences allow you to meet people from all walks of life and of all nationalities. And once you’ve been there, you’ll want more!

ISAE-SUPAERO was a real springboard in my career! The school enabled me to pursue my first experiences abroad, including an internship in Mexico and an exchange year in Canada.