Space Program Director – LEO/GEO (m/f/d)

MBS is a German owner-managed company specializing in secure communications and space, with around 300 employees across the group. With our own ground stations in Germany and Europe as well as operational payloads in orbit, we have been developing and operating space-based solutions for government and industrial customers worldwide for almost 50 years. Our core services include satellite communications, satellite-based intelligence, and Managed Gateways.

Working at MBS means making a direct contribution to Europe’s security infrastructure, with real responsibility from day one.

You own end-to-end delivery of one space program (LEO or GEO): planning, engineering, integration & test, launch/LEOP, commissioning and transition into stable operations. You operate within the group framework, surface risks early and ensure real service readiness—not just “a satellite in orbit”.

• Program delivery: manage scope/cost/schedule/requirements, milestones and acceptances; enforce baselines and control change.
• End-to-end integration (space↔ground↔network): define acceptance criteria and execute E2E test strategy (FAT/SAT/ORR), including gateways/backhaul/monitoring interfaces.
• AIT/LEOP/Commissioning & Service transition: drive AIT chain and early operations; ensure robust handover to routine operations with clear processes and ownership.
• Supplier and partner management: manage performance, schedule and quality with effective escalation; coordinate primes/subs across technical and program dimensions.
• Reporting & leadership: deliver group-standard reporting, active risk management; lead local workstreams/PMO and resource planning.

Must-have qualifications:

• 7+ years leading programs/projects in space/satcom or similarly complex systems (network, defence, critical infrastructure) with delivery accountability.
• Practical experience in integration & test, acceptance and operations readiness.
• Strong supplier management and ability to make and defend technical trade-offs.
• Required language skills: English – C1, German – C2

Strong plus:

• Ground segment expertise (gateways, transport networks, monitoring), availability/resilience design, security-by-design.
• Experience in regulated government/defence contexts and documentation-heavy development environments.

• Freedom, trust and responsibility for the tasks assigned to you in an international environment with flat hierarchies
• Flexibility in terms of working hours thanks to flexitime arrangements
• Extensive equipment with company cell phone and company laptop
• Long-term support in acquiring new skills through further training
• Permanent employment contract with 30 days of vacation and employer contributions to the company pension scheme
• Further financial benefits: Benefit card with monthly credit & motivational leasing for e-cars through employer subsidy
• Free charging stations for electric vehicles at the main site in Usingen
• Of course coffee, water and a delicious canteen with freshly prepared food

HR Strategy & Career

bewerbung@mb-satellite.com

+49 6081 100 – 2413