Job Title: Satellite Programme Manager
Location: UK / Europe (Fully Remote)
Eligibility: EU or UK Citizens only (no visa sponsorship available)
I’m partnering with a European space technology company entering a significant growth phase as they expand from established Space Situational Awareness and optical monitoring systems into full satellite mission capability.
This is a foundational hire to lead and shape their first dedicated satellite programme from concept through to in-orbit operations.
The Opportunity
My client designs and operates automated optical systems used to observe and track objects in orbit, supporting space monitoring, tracking, and scientific observation applications across both institutional and research environments. Their systems are already deployed with institutional, defence, and research customers across Europe, including space agencies, national organisations, and universities.
With new investment secured and a clear roadmap toward commercial satellite operations, the company is now building its first satellite programme capability.
This role will sit at the centre of that transition.
The Role
The Satellite Programme Manager will own the end-to-end delivery of a new satellite programme, from early concept and feasibility through to launch and early operations.
This is a hands-on leadership position, not a purely governance role. You will be expected to bring structure to ambiguity, define execution strategy, and take full ownership of programme delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the full satellite programme lifecycle from concept through to launch and early orbit operations
- Translate strategic objectives into a structured, executable multi-year programme roadmap
- Lead major programme and system reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR)
- Define and manage scope, schedule, budget, risks, and dependencies
- Coordinate internal engineering teams across systems, hardware, software, and ground segments
- Manage external stakeholders including suppliers, launch providers, and technical partners
- Ensure alignment between system architecture, verification strategy, and mission requirements
- Establish programme governance, requirements, and verification frameworks
- Identify and mitigate technical, organisational, and programme risks
- Ensure compliance with space regulatory and safety requirements
- Act as the primary interface with senior leadership and executive stakeholders
- Drive launch readiness and transition into operational service
Candidate Profile
You are comfortable operating in complex technical environments and translating high-level mission objectives into structured delivery plans.
Required experience:
- 6+ years in complex technical or engineering programme leadership roles
- Must have experience working in the space industry, preferably on satellite-focused programmes
- Strong background in aerospace, satellite systems, defence, robotics, or advanced engineering sectors
- Hands-on exposure to satellite systems (architecture, requirements, interfaces, integration, or verification)
- Experience delivering multi-disciplinary hardware/software programmes over multiple years
- Strong systems engineering understanding across full mission lifecycle
- Proven ability to coordinate engineering teams and external technical partners
- Strong programme management capability (planning, risk, scheduling, stakeholder management)
- Excellent communication skills with both technical teams and executive stakeholders
- MSc in Engineering, Physics, Space Systems, or related discipline
- Fluent English plus at least one additional European language
Eligibility requirement:
- Must be an EU or UK citizen. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Nice to Have
- Direct satellite or space mission development experience
- Experience building programmes from early concept stage
- Exposure to launch providers, space agencies, or research institutions
- Experience with publicly funded or grant-supported programmes
Why This Role
- Foundational hire in a new satellite programme capability
- Full ownership from concept through to launch and early operations
- High visibility role directly shaping company strategy and execution
- Strong institutional customer base with expanding commercial focus
- Backed by new investment enabling rapid growth
- Fully remote across the UK and Europe
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Alfie Walters