Mission Manager

Open Cosmos; Harwell; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos is seeking a Mission Manager to own defined mission delivery activities across spacecraft development, integration, launch, and operations. You will work closely with Senior Mission Managers and multidisciplinary engineering teams to coordinate complex programmes and develop deeper mission leadership across the end-to-end lifecycle.

You will manage mission phases across schedule, cost, and delivery; coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, AIT, operations, supply chain, and

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of project management fundamentals.
• Awareness of spacecraft systems or multidisciplinary engineering programmes.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as MS Project, Jira, or similar platforms.
• Excellent organisational and coordination abilities across multiple workstreams and stakeholders.
• Clear and structured communication across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Understanding of supplier, stakeholder, and contract management principles.
• Ability to balance priorities and maintain momentum in fast-moving delivery environments.

Responsibilities

• Own defined mission delivery activities across spacecraft development, integration, launch, and operations.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams across engineering, manufacturing, AIT, operations, supply chain, and commercial functions.
• Maintain project schedules, milestones, budgets, and delivery tracking activities.
• Act as day-to-day contact for internal stakeholders and selected customers or partners.
• Support technical and programmatic reviews, action tracking, reporting, and progress monitoring.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and delivery challenges and support mitigation planning.
• Ensure mission activities align with technical, contractual, and quality requirements.
• Support communication and coordination between technical teams, suppliers, and external partners.
• Contribute to mission readiness activities including integration campaigns, launch preparation, and operational planning.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Risk management

Communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Adaptability

Ownership mindset

Team leadership

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world's biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Working in our Chief Operating Office (COO)

Our COO Teams are the engine that powers Open Cosmos' operations. This division brings together mission management, supply chain, and quality & product assurance to make sure every mission is delivered smoothly, reliably, and to the highest standards. They turn plans into action, keeping us efficient and mission-ready at all times.

Our Mission Management team is growing rapidly as we scale our mission portfolio and satellite capabilities. Acting as the bridge between engineering, operations, customers, partners, and suppliers, the team plays a central role in turning complex technical programmes into successful space missions.

What will you be doing?

As a Mission Manager, you'll take ownership of defined mission delivery activities across spacecraft development, integration, launch, and operations. Working closely with Senior Mission Managers and multidisciplinary engineering teams, you'll help coordinate complex programmes while developing deeper mission leadership capability across the end-to-end mission lifecycle.

You'll be:

• Managing assigned mission phases or smaller end-to-end mission activities across schedule, cost, and delivery objectives
• Coordinating multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, AIT, operations, supply chain, and commercial functions
• Maintaining project schedules, milestones, budgets, and delivery tracking activities
• Acting as a day-to-day point of contact for internal stakeholders and selected customers or partners
• Supporting technical and programmatic reviews, action tracking, reporting, and progress monitoring
• Identifying risks, dependencies, and delivery challenges while supporting mitigation planning
• Ensuring mission activities align with technical, contractual, and quality requirements
• Supporting communication and coordination between technical teams, suppliers, and external partners
• Contributing to mission readiness activities including integration campaigns, launch preparation, and operational planning

What You'll bring

• Strong understanding of project management fundamentals including scope, schedule, cost, and risk management
• Awareness of spacecraft systems, payloads, or multidisciplinary engineering programmes
• Proficiency with project management and tracking tools such as MS Project, Jira, or similar platforms
• Strong organisational and coordination capability across multiple workstreams and stakeholders
• Clear and structured communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Understanding of supplier, stakeholder, and contract management principles
• Ability to balance priorities and maintain momentum within fast-moving delivery environments
• A proactive and ownership-driven mindset with strong attention to detail
• A collaborative approach, building effective relationships across teams, partners, and customers
• Adaptability and resilience when managing changing priorities and evolving mission needs

For this role you can be based in Harwell (UK), Barcelona (ES), Coimbra (PT) or Athens (GR).

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe
• A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team

Equal opportunity employer

At Open Cosmos, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace built on respect, dignity, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively challenge bias to ensure every candidate and employee feels truly welcome. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.