Program Manager ESA

The role will be based in the ICEYE Warsaw facility. Travel to Espoo (Finland) and customer sites is required.

Who we are

ICEYE delivers space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to governments and allied nations. This includes sovereign and turnkey ISR missions leveraging ICEYE’s world-leading synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, as well as access to data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation.

These capabilities enable partners to detect and respond to critical changes anywhere on Earth with unprecedented speed and accuracy – day or night and in any weather, supported by ultra high-resolution imagery and high-frequency revisits.

As a trusted partner for defense, intelligence, security, and maritime domain awareness, ICEYE’s near real-time data creates a tactical advantage for mission-critical operations. Designed for dual use, the platform also serves civil protection and commercial users for natural-catastrophe intelligence, insurance, maritime monitoring, and finance, contributing to global security and community resilience.

ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Japan, the UAE, Greece, Germany and the US. The company has more than 900 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

Expected Outcomes & Requirements

Outcomes

Programs Delivery (70%)

Satellite Mission programs are delivered predictably on schedule, within budget, and meeting or exceeding agreed performance and quality targets

Customers experience consistent, high-trust partnerships, reflected in strong satisfaction, repeat business, and seamless program execution

Program plans provide clear alignment across internal and external stakeholders, enabling efficient use of resources, financial control, and on-time milestone achievement

Risks, dependencies, and escalations are proactively mitigated, minimizing disruption and ensuring continuous, reliable delivery

Cross-functional teams operate in a coordinated, outcome-driven manner, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating mission execution

Program management practices drive measurable improvements in delivery efficiency, scalability, and predictability across Missions

Stakeholders at all levels have timely, accurate visibility into program status, enabling informed decision-making and early intervention where needed

Capture & Proposal Support (30%)

ESA/EU bids and ITT responses are delivered on time, compliant with procurement requirements, and competitively positioned

Sales receive accurate support in proposal development

Lessons learned from won and lost bids are systematically captured and fed back into future proposal quality

Contractual terms negotiated at bid stage (milestone/advance payment plans, IPR treatment, liability) set a sound foundation for delivery

Role-specific competences

5–10 years’ experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder programs in advanced technology environments (e.g. space, defence, telecom, automotive, IT)

Direct experience with ESA and/or EU-funded programmes, including familiarity with ECSS/PSS standards, and EU procurement or grant agreement frameworks

Strong customer-facing capability, including managing senior stakeholders (ESA, national agencies, EU bodies, industry partners) and complex requirements

Expertise in end-to-end program management (planning, execution, governance across scope, schedule, budget, and risk)

Proven leadership of cross-functional teams to deliver aligned outcomes

Experience supporting or leading bid/proposal management, including ITT compliance, technical-commercial coordination, and financial planning

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in uncertain environments

Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

Degree in business, engineering, or a related field

Must have or be able to get EU residence

Desirable

Experience in Earth Observation (EO), SAR, or remote sensing

Background in complex systems or product development environments

Experience working with government or defence customers

Knowledge of hardware, software, or embedded systems development

Advanced degree (Master’s) or relevant certifications (e.g. PMP, PgMP)

Application Process

Initial screening call with Talent Attraction

Hiring Manager interview with Mission Program Director

Practical Exercise & Panel Interview

Final interview with SVP Missions

References

Working at ICEYE
At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win.

How We Work (Our Values)
Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way.
• Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the “why” behind decisions.
• See the big picture: Stay close to what’s happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others.
• Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions.
• Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift.
• Have fun: What we do matters—and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins.

What we offer at ICEYE

At ICEYE, you will join a diverse and engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. We know that without great people we cannot succeed — which is why your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority.

As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership. You will benefit from continuous professional development, training and conference opportunities, and a culture that values collaboration, curiosity, and integrity. ICEYE is a place where your contributions have a visible impact, and where we celebrate success together.

Benefits (EU/Warsaw)

A job that matters in a dynamic Defence Technology and Earth Observation environment with a scale-up approach

An independent role with a supportive and diverse work environment

Time for self-development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes

Competitive Salary, based on experience

Yearly benefit budget (wellness, transport, learning, etc.)

Flexible hybrid working model

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

At ICEYE, we believe that diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's our greatest asset.

We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but celebrated. We know that diverse perspectives breed innovation and creativity, which is why we actively seek out individuals from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.

Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table. Join us and be part of a team where differences are not only embraced but cherished, because together, we're stronger.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those who may need workplace adjustments. If you require any specific accommodations or assistance during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know.

Apply now

Apply now to start your ICEYE journey and help us make the impossible possible. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com.