Mission Architect: Lead LIFE Space Mission

EU Satellite Centre (SatCen); Zürich; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International work environment

Competitive salary

Opportunity to shape LIFE mission

Job summary

ETH Zurich | Space is seeking an experienced Mission Architect to lead the LIFE Space Mission concept study. You will work with engineers and scientists to define an end-to-end system overview and break down development into major milestones and dedicated R&D missions.

You will collaborate with ETH Zurich | Space colleagues and external partners, mentor junior engineers, and help shape budgets and schedules across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields.
• 15+ years of experience in leading roles in large missions in concept and flight hardware development for NASA or ESA missions; involvement in JWST or exoplanet missions is a plus.
• Leadership in early formulation of flagship astrophysics missions and experience at all phases of space telescope development (concept through commissioning).
• Proven record in design and integration of space telescopes, cryogenic optical systems, and complex instrument subsystems.
• Ability to conduct system-level analysis and trade studies to inform design decisions.
• In-depth understanding of space mission requirements, space systems engineering principles, and lifecycle processes.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills to manage and balance project priorities, timelines, and resources.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with international partners in academia and industry.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the concept study for the LIFE Space Mission.
• Help optimize the balance between scientific return, technology readiness, and mission feasibility while coordinating with the project manager to align schedule and cost.
• Lead system-level trade studies, architecture definition, and subsystem interface design in collaboration with discipline engineers.
• Establish additional support from students and external partners in coordination with the project leadership team.
• Support the definition of system-level budgets (e.g., optical, mass, power, thermal).
• Identify technical risks, propose mitigation strategies, and ensure traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers and student teams involved in mission activities.

Skills

Leadership

Systems engineering

Space mission develop.

International collaboration

Education

Master’s or PhD in aerospace/mechanical engineering

Tools

NASA/ESA mission experience

Job description

ETH Zurich | Space is seeking an experienced Mission Architect to lead the LIFE Space Mission concept study. You will work with engineers and scientists to define an end-to-end system overview and break down development into major milestones and dedicated R&D missions.

You will collaborate with ETH Zurich | Space colleagues and external partners, mentor junior engineers, and help shape budgets and schedules across multidisciplinary teams.