Senior Project Manager for Space Missions

ETH Zürich • Vollzeit • Zürich • vor 5Tg

ETH Zurich | Space is dedicated to advancing space activities both within ETH and in collaboration with external stakeholders. Our mission is to position ETH Zurich as Europe's leading institution in space research and education, while also being recognized as a premier partner for space-related projects within Switzerland and globally. Founded in 2022, ETH Zurich | Space has been under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen since 2023. We are committed to driving technological advancements, shaping future policies, and inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

This position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension.

Project background

The objective of this project is to establish and develop a centralized pool of space specialists. This resource pool will bolster ETH Zurich-led space projects, positioning ETH Zurich as a key player in both the national and international space ecosystem.

A significant portion of this role will contribute to LunarLeaper, an ETH Zurich-led mission concept focused on innovative mobility and exploration strategies for the lunar surface. LunarLeaper serves as a technology pathfinder for advanced planetary systems, autonomy, and system integration, and provides a unique environment for developing and maturing high-risk, high-reward space systems solutions.

Job description

As an integral part of the specialized resource pool, you will be managing multiple space research projects at ETH Zurich. Together with internal and external stakeholders, including space agencies, you will ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and budget, and consistent with ETH rules and policies.

As part of your role, you will:

Plan and manage complex space projects, including timelines, milestones, reviews, budgets, and resource allocation
Actively manage project risks and issues
Coordinate closely with systems engineers and technical leads to ensure alignment between technical progress, schedule, cost, and risk
Develop and implement mitigation strategies for potential problems in collaboration with experts and space projects
Coordinate with stakeholders such as faculty members, industry partners, the Swiss Space Office, and space agencies such as ESA, JAXA, and NASA
Negotiate and manage contracts with customers and suppliers in collaboration with ETH's Research Contracts Group
Support the preparation and submission of project proposals, grant applications, and bids
Manage reporting, documentation, and administrative tasks, incl. preparing documentation packages for official reviews
Organize and prepare internal and external meetings

Profile

You have a history of successfully managing complex projects, ideally in the space sector. You excel in organizational and interpersonal skills and have excellent knowledge of the Swiss and European space ecosystem, such as Swiss suppliers, OEMs, and companies.

We are looking for someone with:

Master's degree in engineering or natural science
5+ years of experience in managing complex projects
Strong organizational and project management skills, such as creating project plans and schedules
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and tight timescales
Knowledge of supply chain management

Candidates who do not completely fulfill the mentioned skills are also encouraged to apply.

Additionally, the following characteristics are a plus

Experience with planetary or lunar rover and/or landed spacecraft is highly desirable
Proven experience in managing or working on space-related projects
Experience in collaborating with academic institutions on a space project
Extensive knowledge of the Swiss and European space ecosystem, including OEMs and Tier 1 - 4 suppliers
Proficiency in business aspects of space projects, including documentation, working with suppliers, workflow design, product assurance, and task prioritization
Familiarity with product assurance, quality, configuration and risk management processes, as well as international space standards such as ECSS

We offer

A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world's leading technical universities
A motivated team sharing a passion for space and innovation
The opportunity to contribute to space missions from early concept to flight

> Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.