Launch Mission Manager

RIDE!; Paris; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paris office with city views

50% transportation reimbursement

Flexible remote work

Startup environment

Job summary

RIDE! in Paris/Toulouse is seeking a Launch Mission Manager to lead end-to-end launch campaigns for satellite operators.

You will manage from early feasibility studies to execution, coordinating with customers, product teams and launch providers to deliver on-time, compliant missions. Ideal candidates have 1–3 years in space industry with technical project management experience, strong cross-functional skills, and fluency in English (French a plus).

Qualifications

• Master degree in engineering or technical discipline.
• 1 to 3 years of space industry experience on technical project management with government or commercial launch contracts.
• Experience with launch vehicles or commercial satellite operators.
• Ability to understand technical constraints related to payload launch.
• Professional in English is mandatory; French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver end-to-end launch services from pre-launch studies to launch.
• Coordinate with clients, business, and product teams throughout mission readiness.
• Lead regulatory and documentation activities for launches.
• Support subcontract management and external collaborations.
• Build internal networks of subject-matter experts to expand capabilities.

Skills

Technical project management

Space industry experience

Cross-functional teamwork

Customer liaison

English proficiency

Education

Master degree in engineering

Job description

RIDE! is a NewSpace company based in Paris or Toulouse, France and founded in 2020.

Our mission is to provide the most reliable, convenient and affordable launch experience to any smallsat, from booking to lift-off.

As one of the worldwide leaders of access to space, launch brokerage and end-to-end launch management, RIDE! empowers smallsat ecosystem with a new standard of collaboration with Launch providers, based on :

• Exclusive deals with more than 35+ launch providers and OTVs to benefit from secured affordable conditions
• Off-the-shelf reliable launch services to ensure all integration & launchpad operations, regulatory requirements, and launch interface project management
• A launch-on-demand platform (app.ridespace.io) to find the best launch opportunities and streamline the mission management

From one single cubesat to full constellation, from classic SSO to complex orbits, from simple launch brokerage to full end-to-end launch management, RIDE! expertise, platform and unique know-how value our satellite partners

Our vision is to become the NEW standard of Access to Space, and provide the ultimate affordable, convenient, and reliable launch experience anywhere in the World.

Your Role

Reporting directly to the Head of Launch, the Launch Mission Manager is a key role in growth and sustainability of RIDE!. The Launch Mission Manager is managing from early capabilities studies to successful launch campaign delivery and considers all necessary trades and ensures end-to-end launch success. Launch Mission Managers serve as experts performing all activities from pre-launch analysis to the Launch.

The Launch Mission Manager also excels across a breadth of functions including

• Requirements verification;
• Project Management;
• Proposal Development;
• Mission analyses

The Mission Manager works directly with the clients and in synergy with the Business department as Technical Support and takes completely the lead once the Launch Service Agreement is signed.

This position is open exclusively to candidates with prior professional experience in the space industry.

You will be responsible for the following missions

The Launch Mission Manager is responsible for delivering the service that has been sold by the Business department. The mission includes:

• Managing satellite operators' customer missions, covering technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
• Organizing and documenting mission integration analyses and associated deliverables.
• Coordinating and supporting test activities to ensure compliance with customer requirements and Launch Provider specifications.
• Participating in hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser installation, and launch vehicle integration.
• Overseeing regulatory compliance and supporting the timely preparation of required documentation (e.g., export licenses, radio frequency registrations).
• Leading and facilitating customer reviews, ensuring all contractual deliverables are completed on time and in line with customer expectations.
• Managing the execution of subcontracts, collaboration agreements, and task orders between the company and its customers.
• Building a network of subject-matter experts to expand internal capabilities and access external skills not yet available within the organization.
• Collaborating with the Product team to develop and enhance technical features of the launch management digital platform.
• Contributing to RFP responses and the delivery of technical studies.

Profile Requirements

• Master degree in engineering or technical discipline.
• 1 to 3 years of space industry experience, on technical project management with government or commercial launch contracts.
• Professional experience working with launch vehicles or commercial satellite operators.
• Ability to understand technical constraints relative to payload launch including results from mission specific analysis.
• Negotiation, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.
• Experience working with complex mechanical systems with your own hands.
• Experience working with a cross-functional team and external customers.
• Highly detail oriented, diligent, hard working with excellent customer interface skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere.
• Professional in French is a plus & professional English is a must have.

The perks of being a Rider

• The opportunity to join an innovative NewSpace company at a pivotal stage of its growth and work directly alongside the founders.
• The opportunity to contribute to strategic projects with a high level of autonomy, ownership, and impact.
• A stimulating work environment at the heart of the European space ecosystem, with regular interactions with leading international industry players
• A unique workplace in Paris offering exceptional views over the city.
• Regular team events fostering collaboration and team spirit (afterworks, team lunches, cultural sharing sessions, and more).
• 50% reimbursement of public transportation costs.
• Flexible remote working arrangements, with the possibility to work from either of our offices in Paris or Toulouse.

Our recruitment process

• Interview with our COO (30’)
• Interview with Sr. Launch Mission Manager (60’)
• Case Study
• Interview with our Head of Launch (60’)
• Final Proposal

At RIDE!, we are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and to promoting diversity within our teams.