Mission Operations Manager

Mission Operations Manager Aim high, go beyond! 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 Technology Office (CTO) The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space. Working in the Mission Operations Team Working across the full mission lifecycle, the Mission Operations team is responsible for safely operating our satellites once they are in orbit. From launch and early operations through routine service and end-of-life, the team monitors spacecraft health, executes critical activities, and responds quickly to anything unexpected. Working closely with flight software, systems and engineering teams, Mission Operations plays a central role in keeping every Open Cosmos mission safe, reliable and delivering value to our customers. What will you be doing? You will be: Owning the performance of assigned satellite missions, ensuring reliable and high-quality data delivery across the full service chain Acting as the primary point of contact for satellite owners and promoters, managing relationships and aligning on mission objectives Monitoring mission health and performance across space and ground segments, proactively identifying risks and issues Coordinating resolution of satellite, ground segment, and data-related incidents, ensuring timely and effective outcomes Providing regular reporting on mission performance, service levels, and delivery against agreed objectives Ensuring alignment and coordination across flight operations, ground systems, and data platform teams Managing third-party partners and subcontractors contributing to mission delivery Supporting the Growth team in pre-sales activities, contributing operational insight to satellite operations proposals Identifying opportunities to improve mission performance, service reliability, and operational efficiency What You’ll bring Strong customer-focused mindset, with the ability to align technical delivery to customer objectives Ability to understand and translate customer business goals into operational outcomes Capability in project and programme management, including planning, execution, and risk management Strong issue management and problem-solving skills, particularly in complex, cross-system environments Ability to coordinate across multiple technical teams and stakeholders with strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills Understanding of satellite operations, including flight segment, ground segment, and mission workflows Knowledge of data processing systems and platforms, particularly in Earth Observation or similar domains Understanding of systems engineering principles and end-to-end system interactions Familiarity with project management methodologies like Agile, waterfall or hybrid approaches Awareness of ECSS standards and space industry practices Understanding of software systems and infrastructure supporting mission and data delivery Knowledge of geospatial data and imagery service chains, including performance and quality considerations Accountability, taking ownership of mission performance and delivery outcomes whilst being comfortable operating in ambiguity, navigating complex and evolving mission environments with sound judgement For this role you can be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. Please submit your application and CV in English. 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. Division CTO Department MISSION OPERATIONS Role Mission Operations Manager Locations Harwell, UK, Porto, Portugal, Barcelona, Spain, Athens, Greece Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time About Open Cosmos Open Cosmos is dedicated to solving customer problems with insights from space. Whether this is monitoring agricultural yields, assessing the damage of oil spills or providing navigation solutions, we believe that data from satellites is the most effective and sustainable way of achieving this.