Project Manager, Payload, AIT & Platform, IRIS2 Programme Office

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. In addition, as well as to governmental users, private companies and European citizens while benefiting from ensuring high-speed internet broadband to cope with connectivity dead zones.

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

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

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

• The Payload, AIT & Platform Project Manager is responsible for the end‑to‑end planning, coordination, and delivery of satellite payload, platform, and Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) activities. The role ensures that technical, schedule, cost, and quality objectives are met throughout the satellite development lifecycle, from Phase B to launch and in‑orbit commissioning.
• This position acts as the primary interface between engineering teams, AIT facilities, industrial partners, and customers, ensuring seamless integration of payload and platform subsystems into a flight‑ready spacecraft.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

Project & Programme Management

• Lead payload, platform, and AIT project execution across satellite development phases.
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, cost plans, and risk registers.
• Monitor project performance (schedule, cost, scope, maturity) and report status to management and customers.
• Manage project changes, non conformances, and waivers through formal configuration control processes.

Payload & Platform Coordination

• Coordinate payload development activities.
• Ensure alignment between payload requirements and platform capabilities (power, thermal, mechanical, data handling).
• Drive technical consistency across system engineering, payload design, and platform subsystems.

AIT Planning & Execution

• Plan and manage AIT flow, including integration, functional testing, environmental testing, and acceptance campaigns.
• Coordinate AIT resources, facilities, MGSE, EGSE, and test readiness reviews.
• Ensure compliance with qualification, acceptance, and verification plans.
• Support launch campaign preparation and satellite delivery to launch site.

Stakeholder & Interface Management

• Act as key interface with:
  • Systems, payload, platform, and AIT engineering teams
  • Industrial partners and suppliers
  • Test centers and launch service providers
  • Customers, agencies, and institutional stakeholders
• Prepare and lead project reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, QR, AR, FR).

Risk, Quality & Compliance

• Identify and manage technical, schedule, and cost risks; define mitigation actions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards (ECSS, ESA, NASA, internal processes).
• Support anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of satellite architecture and lifecycle.
• Solid knowledge of AIT processes, verification & validation, and space qualification.
• Excellent project planning, budgeting, and risk management skills.
• Ability to lead cross functional teams in a matrix organization.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Structured, proactive, and solution oriented mindset.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in aerospace engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 5-10+ years of experience in in space or complex high technology projects.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken
• Any other European Language is considered an asset
• Proven experience in at least one of the following:
  • Payload development
  • Spacecraft platform engineering
  • Satellite AIT activities
• Demonstrated project management experience in multidisciplinary technical environments.
• Experience with ESA or institutional programmes.
• Familiarity with product assurance, configuration management, and space standards (ECSS).
• Experience with payload types such as telecom, EO, navigation, or secure communications.
• Experience supporting launch campaigns and LEOP activities. (nonessential)
• Project management certification (PMP®, PRINCE2, IPMA). (nonessential)

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• The candidate must be eligible for a “SECRET” security clearance, in accordance with the national regulations as well as EU/ESA/NATO equivalents
• Willing to work 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposes