At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ambitious space missions from concept to launch, ensuring smooth operations.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible for real-world solutions.
- Benefits: Work in a diverse team with global impact and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Flexible location options and a collaborative culture await you.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of space technology and tackle the world's biggest challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in project delivery within complex environments, ideally in space or engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
Working in our Chief Operating Office (COO), our COO Teams are the engine that powers Open Cosmos’ operations. This division brings together mission management, supply chain, and quality & product assurance to make sure every mission is delivered smoothly, reliably, and to the highest standards.
Our Mission Management team is at the heart of delivering Open Cosmos’ space mission services. Acting as the bridge between our technology teams, customers, partners, and suppliers, they ensure every mission runs smoothly — from planning and coordination through to launch and operations.
As a Senior Mission Manager, you’ll take ownership of some of our most ambitious and technically complex missions. From early concept through to launch and in-orbit operations, you’ll be the person bringing it all together, aligning teams, navigating complexity, and ensuring delivery that meets the highest standards.
You’ll be:
- Owning the full mission lifecycle — from initial requirements through to launch and in-orbit commissioning
- Translating complex mission concepts into clear, executable plans across timelines, resources, and budgets
- Leading multidisciplinary teams across systems engineering, AIT, manufacturing, supply chain, and mission operations
- Acting as the main point of contact for customers, partners, and stakeholders — building trust and maintaining alignment
- Managing expectations through clear communication, structured reporting, and proactive risk management
- Overseeing the integration of mission elements including launch services, ground segment, and regulatory approvals
- Ensuring missions meet technical, contractual, and regulatory requirements at every stage
- Identifying risks early and driving mitigation and recovery plans to keep delivery on track
- Supporting continuous improvement of how we deliver missions as we scale
- Mentoring and guiding other mission managers, helping raise the bar across the team
- Contributing to proposals, mission planning, and cost modelling to support future growth
What You’ll bring:
- Strong grasp of project delivery in complex, multidisciplinary environments, ideally within space or high-reliability engineering
- Solid understanding of satellite systems, payloads, or mission operations
- Ability to balance scope, schedule, cost, and risk across multiple parallel workstreams
- Confidence navigating ambiguity and making informed decisions in fast-moving, high-stakes environments
- Skilled at stakeholder management, able to influence, align, and manage competing priorities
- Commercial awareness, including contracts, supplier coordination, and delivery frameworks
- Familiarity with regulatory and compliance considerations in the space ecosystem
- Clear, structured communication, able to simplify complexity for different audiences
- Comfortable using project management tools (e.g. MS Project, Jira, or similar)
- A proactive mindset, spotting risks early and acting before they become issues
- A collaborative approach, building strong relationships across teams, locations, and partners
- Resilience and adaptability, staying focused and effective under pressure
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.
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
Senior Mission Manager in Didcot employer: Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos is an exceptional employer for those passionate about space technology, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. With a commitment to employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines while tackling real-world challenges through cutting-edge satellite communications solutions. Join a diverse and ambitious team dedicated to making space accessible, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive culture that values respect and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mission Manager in Didcot
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Open Cosmos for a Senior Mission Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mission Manager in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Open Cosmos, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Open Cosmos, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Open Cosmos.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Open Cosmos. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Open Cosmos love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
