At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting space missions from development to launch and operations.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible.
- Benefits: Work in a diverse team with global customers and cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Flexible locations: Harwell, Barcelona, Coimbra, or Athens.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by solving world challenges through space innovation.
- Qualifications: Project management skills and a passion for space technology.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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 growing rapidly as we scale our mission portfolio and satellite capabilities. Acting as the bridge between engineering, operations, customers, partners, and suppliers, the team plays a central role in turning complex technical programmes into successful space missions.
What will you be doing?
- Managing assigned mission phases or smaller end-to-end mission activities across schedule, cost, and delivery objectives
- Coordinating multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, AIT, operations, supply chain, and commercial functions
- Maintaining project schedules, milestones, budgets, and delivery tracking activities
- Acting as a day-to-day point of contact for internal stakeholders and selected customers or partners
- Supporting technical and programmatic reviews, action tracking, reporting, and progress monitoring
- Identifying risks, dependencies, and delivery challenges while supporting mitigation planning
- Ensuring mission activities align with technical, contractual, and quality requirements
- Supporting communication and coordination between technical teams, suppliers, and external partners
- Contributing to mission readiness activities including integration campaigns, launch preparation, and operational planning
What You'll bring
- Strong understanding of project management fundamentals including scope, schedule, cost, and risk management
- Awareness of spacecraft systems, payloads, or multidisciplinary engineering programmes
- Proficiency with project management and tracking tools such as MS Project, Jira, or similar platforms
- Strong organisational and coordination capability across multiple workstreams and stakeholders
- Clear and structured communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
- Understanding of supplier, stakeholder, and contract management principles
- Ability to balance priorities and maintain momentum within fast-moving delivery environments
- A proactive and ownership-driven mindset with strong attention to detail
- A collaborative approach, building effective relationships across teams, partners, and customers
- Adaptability and resilience when managing changing priorities and evolving mission needs
For this role you can be based in Harwell (UK), Barcelona (ES), Coimbra (PT) or Athens (GR). 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
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.
Mission Manager in Harwell 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 Mission Manager in Harwell
✨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 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 Mission Manager in Harwell
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.
