Space Project Manager

Satlantis France is a pioneering company in Earth Observation, specializing in high-resolution optical payloads for small satellites. Our expertise spans methane leak detection, polarimetry and the development of downstream Space applications. We are now seeking a Space Project Manager to lead the execution of our upcoming space optical payload and Earth Observation camera projects.

ROLE OVERVIEW

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, program management and business. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead space camera projects from contract award through integration, delivery and in-orbit operations, owning their technical performance, schedule, costs and risks and interfacing with customers, space agencies, satellite platform providers and industrial partners.

We are particularly interested in a Space Systems Engineer ready to evolve toward project and business management while remaining technically involved. The role may evolve toward Head of Programs or Head of Operations, depending on the selected profile and company growth.

You will also contribute to building Satlantis France's industrial and AIT capabilities and support selected business development activities.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The role is structured around two core priorities:

• Delivering space projects end-to-end , including overall project management and the interface with satellite platform providers.
• Building Satlantis France’s industrial capability , from the identification of suitable premises to the delivery of an operational facility for payload integration and AIT.

Business development is not a core responsibility, but you will also contribute to proposals, tenders, cost and schedule estimates, customer discussions and selected commercial prospecting activities.

You will act as the main project interface with satellite platform providers, primes and suppliers.

This will include:

• Leading projects end-to-end, from kick-off through development, integration, launch preparation and commissioning.
• Managing schedule, budget, milestones, risks and P&L, ensuring delivery against contractual commitments.
• Acting as the main interface with satellite platform providers, primes and suppliers, coordinating payload/platform interfaces across system-level, mechanical, electrical, thermal, EMC, software and data disciplines.
• Managing relationships with agencies, customers, partners and key suppliers.
• Coordinating payload integration and satellite-level AIT activities.

A good understanding of space qualification, verification and AIT processes is expected, with the ability to challenge technical choices and coordinate specialists.

You do not need to be an expert in every discipline, but you must be able to understand technical issues, challenge engineering choices and coordinate specialists.

Satlantis France is developing its own payload integration capability. You will drive its implementation, including:

• Identifying and evaluating suitable industrial premises, in coordination with local public authorities and regional stakeholders.
• Defining the technical and functional requirements for the facility, including clean-room infrastructure and associated constraints.
• Coordinating suppliers, contractors and stakeholders involved in the facility implementation.
• Monitoring the installation, works, schedule and budget through completion and acceptance.
• Ensuring the new facility is delivered operational and ready for use by the AIT team.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We are looking for someone with a strong technical background in the space industry who wants to take responsibility for projects, customers and business performance.

An ideal candidate would have:

• Engineering degree in space systems, aerospace, electronics, optics, mechanical engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in the space industry, ideally as a Systems Engineer, Technical Manager or Project Manager.
• Familiarity with space qualification and AIT processes.
• Fluency in English and French is required. Spanish is a plus.
• Experience with Earth Observation, optical payloads, imaging instruments or small satellite platforms would be particularly valuable.
• The candidate must be eligible to obtain a defense security clearance issued by the competent authority of the French Ministry of Armed Forces.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A high-impact, multidisciplinary role combining space systems engineering, project management, industrialization and business responsibility.
• Direct interaction with key stakeholders, including space agencies, customers, satellite platform providers, industrial partners and public authorities.
• The opportunity to build new industrial capabilities from the ground up, including a clean room and payload integration and AIT processes.
• Direct exposure to strategic decisions, with responsibility for project P&L and performance.
• Collaboration with a highly skilled and passionate international team in a fast-growing NewSpace company.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.

Located in Bidart on the Basque coast, Satlantis France offers an exceptional living environment and aspires to become the driving force behind a regional space industry ecosystem.

If you are passionate about space technology and want to take ownership of ambitious projects in a fast-growing environment, we invite you to join us.