Project Manager - Optical Inter-Satellite Laser Communication Systems (m/f/x)

Your way into the future

We are seeking a highly skilled Project Manager to lead the development of cutting-edge Optical Inter-Satellite Laser Communication Systems. This role involves managing a specialized team of optical and systems engineers focused on laser-based space communications. You will drive the technical and programmatic execution of multi-phase projects enabling high-speed, secure data transfer between spacecraft.

What awaits you at Mynaric

· Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team focused on the design, qualification, and validation of next generation space-based free-space laser communication terminals.
· Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and timelines in alignment with organizational and customer goals.
· Oversee system architecture, optical link budgeting, terminal pointing and acquisition, and thermal/mechanical design coordination.
· Coordinate closely with engineering leads in optics, photonics, embedded systems, mechanical, and communications subsystems.
· Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, and risk management strategies.
· Ensure all technical milestones, including design reviews (PDR, CDR), prototyping, and space qualification, are met.
· Interface with customers, partners, and suppliers, maintaining clear communication on progress, challenges, and deliverables.
· Manage program documentation, reporting, and compliance with industry and agency standards (e.g., ESA, NASA).
· Contribute to hiring, team development, and fostering a collaborative and high-performance engineering culture.

What you bring with you

Required Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
· 5+ years of project management experience in aerospace or satellite systems, with a focus on electro-optical systems or laser communications.
· Demonstrated leadership of engineering teams in the design and development of high-reliability space systems.
· Understanding of engineering tasks like managing communications link system budgets, weight budget, power budget, thermal budget, STOP analysis
· Strong understanding of laser systems, optical components, detectors, beam steering mechanisms, and acquisition/tracking technologies.
· Experience managing technical schedules, budgets, and requirements for space or high-complexity engineering programs.
· Familiarity with space environmental constraints (radiation, thermal cycling, launch loads) and their impact on design.
· Demonstrated ability to accurately estimate task durations and project timelines, using sound judgment, historical data, and risk assessment to support effective planning and on-time delivery. Must be able to break down complex tasks, communicate estimates clearly, and adjust timelines as needed based on evolving project needs.

Preferred Qualifications
· Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Optical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
· Experience with inter-satellite link (ISL) architectures in LEO, MEO, or GEO constellations.
· Knowledge of secure communications, encryption, and crosslink networking protocols.

What we offer you

Have you always wanted to wear your favorite space outfit to work? Then you are exactly the right fit for us! Forget the office politics and come and work with inspiring colleagues from all over the world as you embark on an incredible journey with Mynaric to work on unique and challenging projects and make a real contribution to the future of connectivity.


We offer you permanent employment, varied areas of responsibility, and attractive employee benefits. Mynaric is absolutely committed to being an equal opportunity employer so we welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of ethnicity, sex, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.


So if this sounds like the kind of place where you would like to work then apply today and be part of the company that is changing the world!

Über uns

Mynaric ermöglicht als Pionier der Laserkommunikation extrem schnelle und sichere kabellose Datenübertragung zwischen Satelliten, Drohnen und dem Boden. Die Produkte werden von namhaften internationalen Technologiekonzernen zum Aufbau weltumspannender Kommunikationsnetzwerke verwendet. Das entstehende Internet über den Wolken soll die bisher unverbundenen 3 Milliarden Menschen vernetzen, das Internet of Things bis in die entlegensten Ecken der Erde bringen und die internationale Kommunikation sicherer denn je machen.