Manager, Mission Operations IRIS2

Programme Description

IRIS2 is the new European Union secure satellite constellation. This project is the European Union's answer to the pressing challenges of tomorrow to provide secure connectivity services and enhanced communication capacities to the EU and its Member States as well as to governmental users, private companies and European citizens while ensuring high-speed internet broadband to cope with connectivity dead zones.

SES – together with other consortium partners and core members - was selected by European Commission to build and to operate the IRIS2 multi-orbit satellite constellation.

The IRIS2 team enters the next project phase and there is a strong need for support for all the activities around service provisioning and products that the system can offer in the future.

Role description summary

You will be part of an agile project organization where a flexible way of working and an adaptive mindset is required.  

You are responsible for developing concepts, models and specifications for the master schedule of all mission-related activities for IRIS2’s multi-orbit satellite constellation (LEO/MEO) in order to prepare the execution at a later stage of the programme. This includes engineering the planning framework (timelines, dependencies, resources)—ranging from operator shift scheduling to orbital re-phasing, payload or ground element configuration changes. The ideal candidate excels in detailed scheduling, cross-functional and cross-company collaboration, and specification document preparation, ensuring that each programme and mission milestone is achieved efficiently, on time, and in quality.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

Engineering the Planning Framework

• Prepare specifications and programme documentation for robust methods and tools (e.g., scheduling software, collaboration platforms) to capture constraints, allocate resources, and track progress.
• Integrate best practices in mission planning and scheduling engineering, leveraging feedback from cross-functional teams and lessons learned from previous missions.

Resource & Shift Management

• Collaborate with operations teams to design shift rotations and on-call schedules that align with mission demands, safety requirements, and target system availability.
• Ensure adequate staffing and skill coverage for mission-critical activities, optimizing resource planning without compromising mission objectives.

Orbital & Payload Configuration Planning

• Coordinate with Flight Dynamics and Payload Engineering teams to schedule orbital maneuvers (e.g., re-phasing) and payload configuration changes.
• Maintain visibility of external factors (e.g., regulatory constraints, ground segment availability) that could impact the scheduling or execution of maneuvers.

Documentation

• Produce or contribute to clear, detailed internal and deliverable documents, milestone inputs, and status reports for SES-internal, Consortium-level and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain alignment with SES strategy in IRIS2, as well as strong relationships with SES internal departments, IRIS2 Consortium partners, and external stakeholders

Mission Planning & Scheduling

• Experience in developing and maintaining a comprehensive timeline of space and ground mission activities (e.g., shifts, command windows, payload reconfiguration, orbital manoeuvres). Ability to Identify dependencies, resource requirements, and potential conflicts, providing timely resolutions or escalation paths.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop the mission operations planning team, setting clear objectives and priorities aligned with IRIS2 programme milestones.

COMPETENCIES

• Proven technical project management skills, with strong time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong ability to work independently and without supervision in complex environments, e.g. project or matrix organizations

• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing projects role, requirements and environments
• Ability to think strategically and align project goals with organizational objectives
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

• Proven ownership and teamwork skills in a complex environment, with experience managing diverse expert teams and complex project organizations
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Innovation mindset, encouraging and contributing to innovative approaches and solutions.
• Proactive approach, can-do mentality and ability to work autonomously
• Excellent ability to anticipate and to understand challenges and to find solutions
• Excellent understanding of Operations and Service delivery from a project as well as commercial perspective

Qualifications Background and Experience

• Minimum of 10 years relevant post-qualification experience
• A deep understanding on satellite technologies and applications
• Experience working in and managing project organizations is considered an asset
• Proven record in planning and building Operations teams and/or customer service activities
• Fluency in English (any other language being an asset)

Other key requirements / comments

• 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 clearance
• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposes 
• Willing to support a rotation based 24/7 on-call role