Launch Program Manager

Role Highlights

• Job title: Launch Program Manager
• Department:  Global Manufacturing Organisation
• Location: Espoo, Finland
• Reports to: Team Leader, Launch Management
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Working format: On-site
• Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO)

The Mission of the Launch Program Manager

The role shapes and drives the strategic and commercial direction of ICEYE’s Launch Team, turning launch opportunities into missions that grow and strengthen our constellation. It is a key partner to the Team Leader, supporting high‑impact decisions through a deep understanding of the global launch market, providers, and emerging trends.

The position owns the knowledge, processes, and relationships needed to manage launch missions end‑to‑end—from launch slot RFIs and contract discussions to mission planning and execution - while advising stakeholders on opportunities, constraints, timelines, and risks as ICEYE expands its launch manifest and customer base.

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.

Expected Outcomes & Responsibilities

Launch Market Expertise and international relations

• Maintain strong knowledge of global launch markets, providers, vehicles, and emerging trends.
• Evaluate all launch providers and keep track of their progress and manifest.
• Advise internal stakeholders on launch opportunities, constraints, timelines, and risks.
• Responsible for the launch of the RFI (satellite launch purchase) process and execution.
• Maintain and put in place an NDA to ease conversation with external companies.

Launch commercial mindset

• Bring expertise and solutions to launch contracts and mission program contract reviews.
• Apply negotiation skills to discussions with launch providers and program customers.
• Use legal knowledge (if possible)

RFI for launch slots purchase

• Adapt the RFI process to ICEYE's scale-up and needs.
• Owns the documentation and process.
• Runs the RFI and provides directives and suggestions within the launch slots purchased, in collaboration with all the launch stakeholders.

Launch Mission Management

• Supports and builds the know-how for launch mission planning and execution, including schedules, interfaces, documentation, and readiness reviews. 
• Coordinate launch campaigns with launch service providers, integrators, satellite operations, and internal engineering teams.
• Create redundancy in the team with the goal of being able to manage its own launch mission.

Requirements

Role-specific Competences 

• Master’s degree (e.g. aerospace, engineering, physics, business, or related field).
• 1 - 5 years of professional experience, ideally in space or high‑tech / fast‑moving environments, or consulting, or automotive/aviation.
• Project management capability (planning, coordination, tracking).
• Satellite and general space industry knowledge 
• Strong Microsoft Office skills 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills (written and verbal) and fluent in English.
• Advanced problem‑solving and structured thinking.
• Effective negotiator and articulate in cross‑functional and externally-facing discussions (launch providers and partners).
• Strong organizational mindset with attention to detail and follow‑through.

Advantageous to have

Direct experience in:

• Launch providers, satellite operators, or launch service brokerage.
• Contract/terms review or commercial discussions in a technical environment.

Familiarity with:

• RFI/RFP processes.
• International, multi‑stakeholder projects and culturally diverse teams.
  

ICEYE 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

• Talent Acquisition Interview
• Hiring Manager Interview
• Task
• Task Review / Technical Interview
• Leadership Interview

Benefits

What We Offer at ICEYE

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, well-being, 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.

Benefits 

• 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
• Occupational healthcare, occupational, and accident insurance
• A yearly benefit budget to spend as you wish (i.e. on sport, transport, bike benefit, wellness, lunch, etc.)
• Phone subscription with iPhone of choice 
• Relocation support (i.e. flight tickets, accommodation, relocation agency support)
• Time for self-development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes
• Inspiring and collaborating offices and silent workspaces enable you to focus

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 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.