Program Manager ESA

The Mission of the Program Manager

Deliver complex Satellite Mission programs end-to-end, ensuring customer success, on-time execution, and scalable delivery excellence - with a specific focus on ESA and EU-funded programmes.

You will ensure the full lifecycle of ESA/EU customer missions—from contract bid through execution and delivery—acting as the central orchestrator across engineering, product, operations, and commercial teams. During the bid phase, you will engage early and support Sales in shaping competitive, compliant proposals; post-award, you will own program delivery against contractual commitments while building strong, trusted relationships with ESA, EU, national space agency counterparts and European partners. This role directly contributes to ICEYE’s ambition to become the leading provider of space-based ISR infrastructure by scaling reliable, high-impact mission delivery globally.

The role will be based in the ICEYE Warsaw facility. Travel to Espoo (Finland) and customer sites is required.

Who we are

ICEYE delivers space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to governments and allied nations. This includes sovereign and turnkey ISR missions leveraging ICEYE’s world-leading synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, as well as access to data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation.

These capabilities enable partners to detect and respond to critical changes anywhere on Earth with unprecedented speed and accuracy – day or night and in any weather, supported by ultra high-resolution imagery and high-frequency revisits.

As a trusted partner for defense, intelligence, security, and maritime domain awareness, ICEYE’s near real-time data creates a tactical advantage for mission-critical operations. Designed for dual use, the platform also serves civil protection and commercial users for natural-catastrophe intelligence, insurance, maritime monitoring, and finance, contributing to global security and community resilience.

ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Japan, the UAE, Greece, Germany and the US. The company has more than 900 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

Expected Outcomes & Requirements

Outcomes

Programs Delivery (70%)

Satellite Mission programs are delivered predictably on schedule, within budget, and meeting or exceeding agreed performance and quality targets

Customers experience consistent, high-trust partnerships, reflected in strong satisfaction, repeat business, and seamless program execution

Program plans provide clear alignment across internal and external stakeholders, enabling efficient use of resources, financial control, and on-time milestone achievement

Risks, dependencies, and escalations are proactively mitigated, minimizing disruption and ensuring continuous, reliable delivery

Cross-functional teams operate in a coordinated, outcome-driven manner, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating mission execution

Program management practices drive measurable improvements in delivery efficiency, scalability, and predictability across Missions

Stakeholders at all levels have timely, accurate visibility into program status, enabling informed decision-making and early intervention where needed

Capture & Proposal Support (30%)

ESA/EU bids and ITT responses are delivered on time, compliant with procurement requirements, and competitively positioned

Sales receive accurate support in proposal development

Lessons learned from won and lost bids are systematically captured and fed back into future proposal quality

Contractual terms negotiated at bid stage (milestone/advance payment plans, IPR treatment, liability) set a sound foundation for delivery

Role-specific competences

5–10 years’ experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder programs in advanced technology environments (e.g. space, defence, telecom, automotive, IT)

Direct experience with ESA and/or EU-funded programmes, including familiarity with ECSS/PSS standards, and EU procurement or grant agreement frameworks

Strong customer-facing capability, including managing senior stakeholders (ESA, national agencies, EU bodies, industry partners) and complex requirements

Expertise in end-to-end program management (planning, execution, governance across scope, schedule, budget, and risk)

Proven leadership of cross-functional teams to deliver aligned outcomes

Experience supporting or leading bid/proposal management, including ITT compliance, technical-commercial coordination, and financial planning

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in uncertain environments

Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

Degree in business, engineering, or a related field

Must have or be able to get EU residence

Desirable

Experience in Earth Observation (EO), SAR, or remote sensing

Background in complex systems or product development environments

Experience working with government or defence customers

Knowledge of hardware, software, or embedded systems development

Advanced degree (Master’s) or relevant certifications (e.g. PMP, PgMP)

Key Competences

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

Intellectual Firepower: Rapidly comprehends, structures and synthesizes complex information, draws accurate conclusions, and communicates them with clarity.

Passion & Work Ethic: Brings sustained motivation, resilience, and high personal standards to every challenge.

Ownership & Action: Assumes full accountability for outcomes, acting decisively, and ensuring commitments are delivered.

Team Player: Works collaboratively across teams, contributing to shared success, and engaging in constructive debate.

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

AI-native approach & tooling: Applies GenAI and automation to real workflows, building and integrating practical solutions that increase speed, quality, and scale.

Application Process

Initial screening call with Talent Attraction

Hiring Manager interview with Mission Program Director

Practical Exercise & Panel Interview

Final interview with SVP Missions

References

What we offer at ICEYE

At ICEYE, you will join a diverse and engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. We know that without great people we cannot succeed — which is why your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority.

As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership. You will benefit from continuous professional development, training and conference opportunities, and a culture that values collaboration, curiosity, and integrity. ICEYE is a place where your contributions have a visible impact, and where we celebrate success together.

Benefits (EU/Warsaw)

A job that matters in a dynamic Defence Technology and Earth Observation environment with a scale-up approach

An independent role with a supportive and diverse work environment

Time for self-development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes

Competitive Salary, based on experience

Yearly benefit budget (wellness, transport, learning, etc.)

Flexible hybrid working model

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

At ICEYE, we believe that diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's our greatest asset.

We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but celebrated. We know that diverse perspectives breed innovation and creativity, which is why we actively seek out individuals from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.

Whatever your background, we want you t