The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be review ed according to business needs.
ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The CFI Project Manager is responsible for the end ‑ to ‑ end planning, coordination, and delivery of Customer Furnished Items (CFI), specifically dedicated payload equipment procured from external suppliers.
The role ensures that all CFI equipment meets technical, schedule, cost, and quality requirements, from procurement through delivery to integration readiness within the satellite system.
Acting as the primary interface between custom engineering, system engineering, procurement, suppliers, and programme management, the CFI Project Manager ensures that externally developed equipment is delivered, compliant, and ready for integration and verification activities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS
Project & Programme Management
Lead end ‑ to ‑ end execution of CFI procurement and delivery activities.
Develop and maintain:
Integrated schedules aligned with programme milestones
Cost tracking related to procurement
Risk and issue registers
Monitor supplier and project performance:
Delivery schedule
Cost evolution
Technical maturity
Provide structured reporting to:
Programme Management Operations
Integrator Project Managers
Governance bodies
CFI Procurement & Supplier Management
Coordinate procurement activities in alignment with Procurement / Supply Chain
Define and manage:
Technical requirements flow ‑ down to suppliers
Statements of Work (SoW) and deliverables
Act as primary interface to suppliers, ensuring:
Contractual compliance
Performance monitoring
Timely delivery
Support:
Supplier selection and evaluation
Contract negotiations (with Procurement & Legal)
Supplier reviews, audits, and progress monitoring
Technical Coordination & Interface Management
Coordinate with System Engineering, which retains technical authority, to ensure:
Alignment with system architecture
Definition and control of interfaces (mechanical, electrical, thermal, data)
Ensure consistency between:
CFI specifications
Platform and system constraints
Integration requirements
Support interface management across all segments (V/C, U/T, GK)
Delivery & Integration Readiness
Ensure that CFI equipment is delivered in the required maturity and configuration for integration
Coordinate with:
Development teams
Manufacturing
IVV & AIT Project Manager
Ensure readiness in terms of:
Documentation
Configuration baseline
Verification evidence (at equipment level)
Stakeholder & Interface Management
Act as key interface with:
Custom engineering (requirements definition)
System Engineering (technical alignment)
Procurement (contracting and supplier management)
Suppliers / industrial partners
IVV & AIT Project Manager (integration readiness)
Contribute to:
Programme reporting
Supplier and technical reviews
Governance preparation
Risk, Change & Configuration Management
Identify and manage:
Supplier risks
Delivery risks
Technical maturity risks
Coordinate:
Change requests impacting CFI
Impact assessments (cost, schedule, integration)
Technical maturity risks
Ensure alignment with:
Configuration baseline s
Approved changes
Quality & Compliance
Ensure suppliers comply with:
Applicable standards (ECSS, ESA, etc.)
Programme requirements and specifications
Supp ort:
Quality assurance activities
Non ‑ conformance and deviation management
Root cause analyses and corrective actions
COMPETENCIE S
Strong understanding of :
S atellite payload equipment
Supplier-driven development and procurement .
Knowledge of:
Interface management
Integration constraints
Verification expectations (equipment level)
Strong:
Supplier coordination
Negotiation skills
Stakeholder management
Ability to operate in:
Matrix organisations
Multi-partner environments
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in aerospace engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
5-10+ years of experience in in space or complex high technology programmes.
Fluency in English, both written and spoken
Any other European Language is considered an asset
Proven experience in at least one of the following:
Payload equipment or subsystem development
Supplier management / procurement-driven projects
Integration environments
Demonstrated project management experience in multidisciplinary technical environments.
Experience with ESA or institutional programmes.
Familiarity with ECSS standards and configuration & change control.
Experience with procurement processes and contract management.
Project management certification (PMP ® , PRINCE2, IPMA). (nonessential)
OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS
Eligibility for ESA/EU SECRET personal security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such a clearance
Willing to work 60% onsite from office
Travel as required for project realization purposes
SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
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