Launch Service Manager

EUMETSAT - European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites

Darmstadt, Germany

EUMETSAT is an intergovernmental organisation based in Darmstadt, Germany. Our vision is to be the leading user-driven operational agency in Europe and a trusted global partner for weather and Earth system monitoring from space. All data provided by our state-of-the-art satellites systems are making a tangible difference in people's lives and contribute to the thriving European economy.

The Programme Preparation and Development Department (PRD) manages current and next-generation mandatory programmes in various phases of development in addition to other activities. This include the EUMETSAT Polar System Second Generation (EPS-SG), Meteosat Third Generation (MTG), current and future Ocean Altimetry and Copernicus Sentinel Missions and a constellation of small satellites, EPS-Sterna.

This post is located within the Office of the Director of PRD and reporting to the Institutional Launch Service (ILS) Manager. You will be responsible for the provision of organisational and engineering support for the ILS with initial emphasis on launch service management, launcher interface and launch campaign for EPS-SG satellites A1 and B1.

You will later on also oversee the procurement and management of launch services for EPS-Sterna satellites in direct support of the EPS-Sterna Programme Manager.

What you’ll be doing

Manage the interaction and networking with relevant space agencies, satellite prime and the launch service provider, in particular:
- on compatibility tests with the launcher adapter or activities linked with the System Verification Tests (SVTs);
- to support the analysis of the impact of satellite modifications on the launch service and vice versa (e.g. qualification testing level, LEOP timeline, separation mechanism etc.); and
- in the planning, preparation and execution of launch campaigns, acting during launch campaigns as customer representative or its deputy at the launch site.
Advise the ILS Manager, the Programme Managers and D/PRD of problems and risks encountered in the implementation of EUMETSAT’s launch services and propose possible solutions and/or mitigation measures;
Act as launch service/segment interface with relevant internal stakeholders, ensuring that provisions and support required to achieve Launch and LEOP activities are in place and coordinated;
In coordination with Quality Assurance, maintain an accurate record of all anomalies, non-conformances, waivers and deviations encountered during launch preparation and launch campaign;
Monitor the evolution of the launch manifests and the performance of the selected launch service provider(s) to identify any potential impact on the programme including the evolution of the small “new space” launchers market and future trends;
Manage, perform or support specific studies, including cost/schedule trade-offs, to define the procurement approach for future small launcher services;
Consolidate and maintain the requirements for small launch services for EUMETSAT’s small satellites/constellations including launcher performances and a full specification of satellite-to-launch vehicle mechanical, electrical and environmental interface requirements and produce and maintain an “envelope” interface requirements document (e.g. Launch Interface Requirement Document);
Prepare, initiate and implement the procurement of the launch service for small satellites (e.g. EPS-Sterna) including preparation of the internal documentation, evaluation of proposals and negotiation of the contracts in coordination with the Contract Division and Programme Managers;
Act as Deputy of ILS Manager for the launch of Metop-SGA1 (planned for Q4/2025) and Metop-SGB1 (planned for Q3/2026).

What we offer

Excellent salary, of up to Euro 7,500 NET (after income tax) based on skills and experience;
Flexible working time including additional flexi-leave;
Full medical coverage for employee and family;
Attractive pension;
30 days of annual leave + 14.5 days public holidays;
Training and development support;
Relocation allowance and support (if applicable).

Requirements

Qualifications:

University degree in space engineering with focus on satellite and/or launcher technology.

Skills and Experience:

Proven experience with launcher technology or launch service implementation, particularly with satellite to launcher interface and the interface between the launch and LEOP (launch and early operations) preparations;
At least 5 years experience in the field of system management and engineering for satellite and/or launcher systems such as analysis of the overall planning, coordination of technical activities and provision of technical guidance;
Familiarity with satellite interfaces, especially satellite-launcher and space-to-ground interfaces;
Experience in industry (launcher or satellite) of system interface management or launcher production or launch campaign would be an asset;
Experience of industrial procurement and technical contract management would be an asset;
Proven ability to work effectively within teams but also independently, and to analyse complex issues and synthesise matters in a concise way;
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a proactive attitude.

Languages:

Candidates must be able to work effectively in English;
Given the interfaces with French launch service providers, ability to understand/read technical documentation in French is highly desirable for this post.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH. WE WILL BE UNABLE TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED IN OTHER LANGUAGES.

EUMETSAT is an international organisation employing staff from across all 30 member states and this role is being advertised on multiple international job boards, but please note that this role would be based in Darmstadt, Germany and would require international applicants to relocate if successful.

More about us

EUMETSAT’s role is to establish and operate meteorological satellites to monitor the weather and climate from space - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This information is supplied to the National Meteorological Services of the organisation's Member and Cooperating States in Europe, as well as other users worldwide.

EUMETSAT also operates several Copernicus missions on behalf of the European Union and provide data services to the Copernicus marine and atmospheric services and their users.

As an intergovernmental European Organisation, EUMETSAT can recruit nationals only from the 30 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom).

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