Space systems / payloads Project manager

Location: Madrid Tres Cantos, Spain

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

Thales in Spain is a leader in technological solutions applied to Defence, Aeronautics, Security, Transportation and Space and, furthermore, is a global centre for excellence in Space, Security of Critical Infrastructures and Transportation. With a turnover of €320 million and a staff of 1,200, it exports approximately 40% of its total production principally to the Middle East, North Africa and Latin America.

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Project Manager to lead complex space programs from proposal and contract award through to project delivery and customer acceptance.

This is a senior role that requires interaction with a range of internal and external stakeholders, most often managing several moving project parts simultaneously. Projects will be among the following types: space mission, space systems, or satellite payloads (Telecom or optical)

As a key contributor to business success, you will drive project execution while balancing customer expectations, technical requirements, cost, quality, schedule, and risk. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, customers, suppliers, and senior leadership in an international environment.

This position requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex technical challenges in a highly specialized and fast-evolving space industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project execution, ensuring delivery on scope, quality, schedule, and budget objectives.

• Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, resource allocation, and performance indicators.

• Monitor project progress and proactively adapt plans to address emerging challenges and changing priorities.

• Manage customer relationships and act as the primary interface for project-related communications.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across engineering, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and support functions.

• Identify, assess, and manage project risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Define and implement mitigation and contingency plans to minimize project exposure.

• Ensure effective governance through regular reporting, project reviews, and executive presentations.

• Oversee contractual commitments and ensure compliance with customer requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project execution methodologies and operational efficiency.

• Promote collaboration, accountability, and high team engagement within the project organization.

• Contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation, tender reviews, cost estimations, and bid management support.

• Utilize project management best practices, tools, and digital solutions to improve visibility and decision-making.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex technical or engineering projects.

• Previous experience in the space, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, or other high-technology sectors is highly valued.

• Proven experience managing cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.

• Solid understanding of project management methodologies

• Experience managing customer-facing projects and contractual commitments.

Preferred Certifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional)

• IPMA Certification

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.

• Strategic mindset with strong business acumen.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Risk management and problem-solving skills.

• Negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.

• Financial awareness, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

• Decision-making based on data and project performance metrics.

• Resilience and adaptability under pressure.

• Attention to detail while maintaining a broad project perspective.

Languages

• Fluent English (mandatory).

• Additional European languages are considered an asset.

What We Offer

• Flexible and smart working model, including hybrid work arrangements and flexible working hours.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

• Free meals at the office.

• 28 business days of annual leave.

• Company pension plan.

• Individual learning and development programs.

• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge space technologies and international projects.

• Collaborative, innovative, and multicultural working environment.

• Career growth opportunities within a rapidly evolving industry.

At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here, apply now!