• Job Description

  Req#: DD0673C821
  • Job title: Founding Program Director

  • Department: ICEYE Joint Venture
  • Location: Germany
  • Reports to: CEO of the Joint Venture
  • Employment type: Permanent
  • Working type: Hybrid
  • Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)

  The Mission of the Founding Program Director

  Lead the creation and delivery of the JV’s flagship program - from early planning and team formation to successful mission delivery. You’ll work hand-in-hand with ICEYE leadership, JV partners, and government stakeholders to ensure the program sets a new benchmark for speed, innovation, and reliability in space system delivery.
  
  You’ll combine strategic thinking, startup grit, and program management mastery to turn bold ambitions into operational reality.

  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 (including oil-spill detection), and finance, contributing to global security and community resilience.

  ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, Japan, the UAE, Greece, 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.

  About the Joint Venture

  ICEYE is expanding its European footprint by launching a new joint venture (JV) in Germany, designed to accelerate the next generation of Earth Observation missions and strengthen strategic space capabilities across Europe.
  
  This JV combines ICEYE’s world-leading synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology with German industrial excellence and innovation. Together, we’re building a new space company from the ground up — one that blends ICEYE’s agility and entrepreneurial culture with Germany’s tradition of engineering precision and reliability.

  
  

  Expected Outcomes and requirements

  This is not a maintenance role - it’s a founding mission. We’re looking for a Program Director who can:
  
  

  • Build the JV operationally and culturally from day one.
  • Lead a major space program that defines the JV’s success and reputation.
  • Establish processes, teams, and partnerships that reflect New Space agility and entrepreneurial excellence.
  • You’ll be the architect of execution - shaping how this new organization operates, delivers, and scales.

  Role-Specific competencies

  • JV Builder: Establish the JV’s operational foundation - from initial team setup, processes, and culture to full program readiness.
  • Mission Execution: Deliver a complex, multi-year space mission that meets technical, schedule, and financial goals.
  • Entrepreneurial Leadership: Create a startup culture of ownership, innovation, and speed, while maintaining rigor and compliance.
  • Partnership & Stakeholder Management: Build trusted relationships with JV partners, government entities, suppliers, and ICEYE teams.
  • Scalable Systems: Define lean, effective systems for program governance, engineering coordination, and risk management.
  • Cultural Integration: Infuse the JV with ICEYE’s values - curiosity, courage, and collaboration - while adapting them to the local context

  Your Background

  • 10+ years in program management, mission delivery, or systems engineering, ideally within aerospace, satellite, or defense technology
  • Proven experience launching new ventures, programs, or organizational initiatives from zero to operational success
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Aerospace, Physics, or a related field.
  • Experience working with cross-border or multi-partner joint ventures a strong plus
  • Fluent in English and German.
  • Certifications such as PMP / PgMP are valued, but a builder’s mindset is essential.

  Key competences

  In addition to the requirements above, we evaluate candidates on these key qualities throughout the hiring process:

  • Intellectual Firepower: Rapidly comprehends, structures and synthesizes complex information, draws accurate conclusions, and communicates them with clarity.
  • Passion & Work Ethic: Brings sustained motivation, resilience, and high personal standards to every challenge.
  • Ownership & Action: Assumes full accountability for outcomes, acting decisively, and ensuring commitments are delivered.
  • Team Player: Works collaboratively across teams, contributing to shared success, and engaging in constructive debate.
  • Integrity & Growth Mindset: Operates with transparency and humility, learns from setbacks, and actively seeks opportunities to grow.

  Application Process

  • Initial meeting with talent attraction
  • Hiring manager interview with Director of Program Management
  • Case Study assessment
  • Executive meeting with SVP

  What we offer:

  • The chance to found and shape a brand-new New Space organization in Germany.
  • A pivotal leadership role in delivering a strategic national and commercial mission.
  • Collaboration with ICEYE’s global experts, access to world-class technology, and the autonomy to build locally.
  • A role where your impact defines the company’s DNA.
  • Competitive compensation, professional growth, and the freedom to innovate.

  At ICEYE, you will join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. We know that we will succeed only through exceptional people in our team — 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 from day one. You will benefit from continuous professional development, training 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.

  
  

  • 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

  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 accommodations or assistance during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know, and we will support you to succeed.

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

• About the company

  Gain access to timely and reliable SAR imaging from the world's leading New Space SAR satellite constellation.

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