Our client is a major European space and aerospace technology group developing advanced satellite systems and space infrastructures for institutional and commercial missions worldwide.

The organization contributes to large-scale European programs in Earth observation, navigation, climate monitoring, and security, delivering complex payload systems that combine cutting-edge engineering with rigorous quality and reliability standards.

To support the growth of its Earth Observation payload programs, the company is expanding its program management team and is seeking an experienced Payload Project Manager.

Role Overview

The Payload Project Manager will take full ownership of a satellite payload subproject, managing it end-to-end across scope, requirements, schedule, cost, and technical maturity.

This role involves coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams, managing supplier interfaces, and representing the payload program internally and externally with customers and prime contractors.

It is a high-impact leadership role where decisions directly influence system performance, budget outcomes, and mission success.

Key Responsibilities

• Define payload scope in coordination with the customer, program management, and leadership
• Approve and maintain the technical requirements baseline for all developed, manufactured, and tested components
• Establish and manage the project schedule and cost baseline, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery
• Plan and allocate internal engineering resources, identifying capacity gaps and escalating risks early
• Build and structure the project team, assigning clear ownership of milestones and deliverables
• Lead internal progress reviews and coordinate reviews with prime contractors and customers
• Ensure effective cross-functional collaboration across mechanical, electrical, software, AIT, quality, and supply chain teams
• Monitor technical maturity, schedule, cost, and quality, proactively managing risks and mitigation plans
• Provide regular status reporting, forecasts, and risk assessments to stakeholders
• Maintain configuration control and evaluate changes impacting scope, cost, or schedule

Profile / Requirements

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the space industry
• Experience as Project Manager, Team Leader, or Subcontractor Manager in complex technical programs
• Experience managing engineering teams and supplier relationships
• Strong knowledge of project management methods in complex engineering environments
• Good understanding of space project standards and development processes
• Ability to balance technical performance, cost constraints, and schedule commitments
• Experience with commercial negotiations or contract management
• Excel and PowerPoint required
• Knowledge of Confluence and Jira is a plu

Personal Skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong decision-making and conflict-resolution abilities
• Proven ability to motivate teams and coordinate cross-functional collaboration
• Strong analytical and presentation capabilities

Languages

• Fluent English required
• German is not mandatory

What’s Offered

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge European space programs
• System-level technical responsibilities with real mission impact
• Home office regulation 40/60 (home office / onsite)
• Active health promotion: Health management, E-GYM Wellpass & In-company sports groups
• 13. monthly salary, accident insurance & company pension plan
• Long-term career development within a high-reliability engineering environment
• International and collaborative engineering culture