Satellite Operations Manager (m/f/d)

Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions GmbH

WOFÜR WIR SIE SUCHENAbout RISS
We are pioneering the future of satellite intelligence and defense. Backed by Rheinmetall's proven defense expertise and ICEYE's radar satellite innovation, our joint venture has the ambition of delivering one of the world's largest earth observation satellite constellations to defend Germany.
Our mission? Empower Europe's security and defense with sovereign, persistent, and accurate space-based intelligence under any condition.
Join us to shape one of Europe's most significant high-tech projects and make a real impact on defense and security for tomorrow.
Satellite Operations Manager
As a Satellite Operations Manager, you will lead the Satellite Operations team responsible for the safe and reliable 24/7 operation of the RISS satellite constellation. You will ensure operational excellence across routine operations, anomaly response, and mission-critical activities, while supporting the growth and development of the operations organization.
You will oversee mission readiness activities, operational processes, staffing, and incident management, ensuring the team is prepared to support current and future missions. Working closely with Engineering, Ground Segment, Flight Dynamics, and Program teams, you will drive continuous improvement of operational procedures, tools, and workflows.
You will play a key role in building a high-performance operations culture, balancing daily operational needs with long-term strategic objectives and team development.
Expected Outcomes & Requirements

• Operational Leadership & Team Performance: Lead, develop, and grow the Satellite Operations team through effective workforce planning, hiring, onboarding and performance management.
• Safe & Reliable Mission Operations: Ensure the team is prepared and adequately staffed to support routine operations, anomaly response, and mission-critical activities.
• Incident Management & Operational Governance: Lead the Operations Review Board process, coordinate incident investigations, and ensure corrective actions and lessons learned are implemented.
• Documentation & Continuous Improvement: Maintain high-quality operational documentation and continuously improve procedures, tools, workflows, and operational standards.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Align operational priorities and readiness activities with Engineering, Ground Segment, Flight Dynamics, and Program teams.

What your Qualifications should look like

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Applied Physics, or another relevant technical discipline.
• Experience leading teams, projects, or operational activities in a mission-critical 24/7 environment.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems, ground systems, mission operations, and orbital mechanics.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain effective under pressure.
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken.

What Qualifications would be nice to have

• Several years of experience in satellite or spacecraft operations.
• Previous experience as a Team Lead, Satellite Operations Lead, or Operations Manager.
• Experience managing operational incidents, reviews, and corrective actions.
• Familiarity with Python.
• Familiarity with Atlassian Cloud, such as Jira and Confluence.
• Experience developing operational procedures and improving operational processes.

Key Competences
In addition to the requirements above, we evaluate candidates on these key qualities throughout the hiring process:

• Leadership & People Development: Builds a high-performing team through clear direction, coaching, constructive feedback, and professional development.

• Ownership & Action: Takes accountability for team performance and operational outcomes, makes timely decisions, and follows commitments through to completion.

• Operational Excellence: Maintains high standards of safety, reliability, discipline, and continuous improvement in mission-critical operations.

• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly and works effectively across Satellite Operations, Engineering, Ground Segment, and Program teams.

• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Assesses risks, prioritizes effectively, and provides calm leadership during anomalies and critical mission phases.

• Integrity & Growth Mindset: Operates with transparency and humility, learns from setbacks, and actively seeks opportunities to improve.

• The opportunity to help shape a national sovereign space capability.

• A role that directly impacts Europe's security and defence architecture.

• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

• A supportive, diverse, and mission-oriented environment.

• Continuous learning and professional growth through trainings, courses, certifications, and conferences.

• Access to the Skillsoft Learning Platform, offering thousands of courses, books, and learning resources.

• EGYM Wellpass for fitness, wellness, and health support.

• Bike leasing to promote sustainable and flexible mobility.

• Corporate Benefits with exclusive discounts across a wide range of brands and services.

• An Employee Referral Program that rewards you for bringing talented people to the team.

• Fresh fruit, snacks, and complimentary drinks available at the office.

• Modern offices designed for collaboration, innovation, and focused work.