Head of Optical Communication Technology Systems - 100 % (m / w / d)

Design & Development Manager in Space Products - 100% (m / w / d)

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remote type Hybrid

time type Full time

posted on Posted Yesterday

job requisition id R0264792

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), is a global space manufacturer with over 40 years of experience delivering high-tech solutions in telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science, and orbital infrastructures. We serve a diverse customer base including governments, space agencies, and telecommunications operators, providing solutions that connect, secure, observe, explore, and navigate.

We say HI

• Welcome to the Thales team!

Thales in Switzerland is part of a leading technology group specializing in Defense & Security, Training & Simulation, Space, and Digital Identity & Security. We enable our customers, partners, and employees to innovate confidently and securely, shaping a trustworthy future.

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• to your career as a

Design & Development Manager in Space Products / CTO - 100% (m / f / d)

Based in Zurich, you will join a center of excellence for optical, quantum-based communications, and opto-electronic systems used in satellite and space technology. This role involves developing, operating, and deploying satellite-based systems that support global positioning, connectivity, Earth observation, and resource management. You will be part of a team of experts at Thales Alenia Space, a key partner for governments, institutions, and businesses. We look forward to meeting you!

Your mission

The role is to lead the design & development team and potentially serve as CTO for Thales Alenia Space in Switzerland, depending on your background. You will be part of the leadership team, managing three direct reports: Solution Architect team, Engineering team, and IVVQ team. Your responsibilities include overseeing project execution, ensuring quality, defining organizational vision, and maintaining competitiveness.

You should have a solid background in space solution development, particularly in opto-electronics, leading multidisciplinary teams, and understanding various engineering disciplines (thermal, mechanical, electronics, optics, photonics). You will support bid processes, define solutions, review technical data, and manage financial aspects of development projects.

You will interact with customers, partners, and internal teams, and may collaborate with academia and research organizations to identify future technologies, develop partnerships, and create strategic roadmaps. As CTO, you will also manage product strategies, participate in design reviews, and act as Project Design Authority on selected projects.

We look forward to that

• You are an engineer or physicist with experience in optics and electronics, familiar with software development for space products.
• You have at least 10 years of experience in the space industry, especially in opto-electronics solutions.
• You have a proven track record in full development cycles, from specifications to flight hardware.
• You are proactive, adaptable, curious, passionate about space and technology, and a team player.
• You possess strong communication skills in English; proficiency in French and/or Italian is a plus.

What awaits you in Zurich

We offer competitive benefits including flexible work models, development opportunities within Thales Group, training programs, employee discounts, insurance, and various other perks aimed at work-life balance and career growth.

Say HI

• Your way to us

Join our international team to tackle complex challenges with industry-leading technologies. To apply, contact Frederic Martin via our career portal.

Frederic Martin

Talent Acquisition Partner #LI-FM1

Notice for recruitment agencies :

We do not process CVs from recruitment agencies. Only applications directly from candidates are considered. Thank you for understanding.

At Thales, we offer careers, not just jobs. With a global presence of 80,000 employees, we support international mobility and career development in various fields. Embrace flexibility and start your journey with us!

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