Key data
| Regulation | Resolution 430/38372/2026, of August 5, from the State Secretariat for Defense |
|---|---|
| BOE Publication | September 3, 2026 |
| Entry into force | September 3, 2026 |
| Position announced | Deputy Director General of Space Systems at INTA |
| Position level | Level 30 |
| Specific allowance | €30,436/year |
| Headquarters | Torrejón de Ardoz |
| Provision system | Free appointment |
| Application deadline | 10 calendar days from publication in the BOE |
| Category | Public Sector — Defense |
| Official source URL | BOE-A-2026-18523 |
A top-level management position in the Spanish public aerospace sector is being opened with an extraordinarily short application deadline. Resolution 430/38372/2026, of August 5, published in the BOE of September 3, 2026, announces the provision of the Deputy Director General position of Space Systems at the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) through the free appointment system.
The position involves directing aerospace R&D&I programs, managing satellites and coordinating national and international cooperation in space matters. Access requirements are very demanding and the selection process includes several phases.
What does this call establish?
The call regulates the provision of a single position through free appointment. Unlike ordinary merit-based competition, free appointment grants the convening body greater discretion in selecting the candidate, although the process includes objective evaluation phases.
The key elements of the call are as follows:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Deputy Director General of Space Systems at INTA |
| Organization | National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) |
| Organizational dependency | State Secretariat for Defense |
| Headquarters | Torrejón de Ardoz |
| Level | 30 |
| Specific allowance | €30,436/year |
| Main functions | Direction of aerospace R&D&I programs, satellite management, national and international cooperation |
| Minimum seniority | 20 years as a career civil servant in subgroup A1 or equivalent military |
| Required security clearance | NATO SECRET and EU SECRET |
| Application deadline | 10 calendar days from publication in the BOE (from September 3, 2026) |
The selection process consists of several differentiated phases:
- Assessment of merits provided by the candidate.
- Evaluation of curriculum vitae.
- Management competencies questionnaire.
- Interview with external experts.
Against the appointment resolution, a motion for reconsideration may be filed within one month or an administrative contentious appeal within two months.
Economic and operational impact
The announced position is level 30, the maximum of the salary scale for career civil servants in the General State Administration. This means that the associated position allowance is also the highest possible, to which is added the specific allowance of €30,436/year.
For the selected candidate, the total annual gross remuneration will include the base salary corresponding to subgroup A1, the position allowance of level 30 and the specific allowance of €30,436. Total remuneration can easily exceed €60,000-70,000 gross annually, depending on seniority bracket and other applicable remuneration concepts.
From an operational perspective, the position involves assuming strategic direction of INTA's space programs, including satellite management and institutional representation in national and international cooperation forums. NATO SECRET and EU SECRET security clearance is a mandatory prerequisite, not a condition that can be obtained afterwards.
Who does it affect?
This call affects exclusively a very specific profile of civil servants and military personnel. Access requirements are cumulative:
- Career civil servants classified in subgroup A1 with a minimum of 20 years of seniority in that subgroup.
- Career military personnel with rank or category equivalent to subgroup A1 and the same minimum seniority of 20 years.
- Candidates who have NATO SECRET and EU SECRET security clearance in force, or who can obtain it before taking office.
- Professionals with proven experience in aerospace R&D&I, satellite management or international cooperation in space matters.
The universe of eligible candidates is therefore very limited. The combination of 20 years of seniority in A1 and dual NATO SECRET and EU SECRET security clearance significantly limits the number of people who can apply.
Practical example
A career civil servant from subgroup A1 of the Ministry of Defense with 22 years of seniority, NATO SECRET and EU SECRET security clearance in force, and previous experience in INTA satellite programs, meets all access requirements.
This candidate must submit their application before September 13, 2026 (10 calendar days from September 3). In their application they must provide the curriculum vitae, documentation proving merits and complete the management competencies questionnaire. If they pass the documentary phase, they will be called for an interview with external experts. If selected, they will take the position with level 30 and a specific allowance of €30,436/year at the Torrejón de Ardoz headquarters.
If they do not meet any of the requirements—for example, if they have only 18 years in subgroup A1 or do not have EU SECRET clearance—their application will be excluded in the requirements verification phase, with no possibility of correction afterwards.
What should candidates do now?
- Verify compliance with requirements before acting: check that you have at least 20 years of seniority in subgroup A1 (or equivalent military) and NATO SECRET and EU SECRET security clearance in force. Without both requirements, your application will be excluded.
- Calculate the exact submission deadline: the 10 calendar days from September 3, 2026 expires on September 13, 2026. No extension is provided.
- Prepare documentation of merits and curriculum vitae with the format and requirements established by the call, paying special attention to proving experience in aerospace R&D&I, satellite management and international cooperation.
- Prepare the management competencies questionnaire: this phase is eliminatory or weighted. It is advisable to review the management competencies required for level 30 positions in the Defense field.
- Consult the complete resolution in the BOE to verify the official application form, destination registry and any additional formal requirements: BOE-A-2026-18523.
- Consider filing an appeal if the final resolution is unfavorable: the deadline is one month for a motion for reconsideration or two months for an administrative contentious appeal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline to apply for the Deputy Director position in Space Systems at INTA?
The deadline is 10 calendar days from the publication of the call in the BOE, which took place on September 3, 2026. The deadline expires, therefore, on September 13, 2026. No extension is provided.
What specific allowance does the Deputy Director position in Space Systems at INTA have?
The specific allowance is €30,436/year. The position is level 30, the maximum on the scale, which also implies the highest position allowance in the General State Administration.
What security clearance is needed to apply for this position?
It is mandatory to have NATO SECRET and EU SECRET security clearance. Both clearances are access requirements, not a condition that can be obtained after appointment.
How many years of seniority are needed to apply for this position?
A minimum seniority of 20 years is required as a career civil servant in subgroup A1, or as a military officer with equivalent category. This requirement is cumulative with the rest of access conditions.
How is the selection process for this free appointment call?
The process includes four phases: assessment of merits, evaluation of curriculum vitae, management competencies questionnaire and interview with external experts. Against the final resolution, a motion for reconsideration may be filed within one month or an administrative contentious appeal within two months.
Official source
Consult complete regulation at official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-18523
