Satellite Operations Manager

About Exotrail

Space is becoming more strategic and competitive than ever. Tomorrow’s space leaders will not simply launch satellites into orbit, they will be able to move them, reposition them, extend their lifetime, and maximize their performance in space.

About Exotrail

Space is becoming more strategic and competitive than ever. Tomorrow’s space leaders will not simply launch satellites into orbit, they will be able to move them, reposition them, extend their lifetime, and maximize their performance in space.

Since 2017, Exotrail has been developing and operating cutting‑edge in‑space mobility solutions for commercial, institutional, and defense customers. From our high‑performance propulsion system spaceware™ to our orbital transfer vehicle spacevan™, we enable satellites to go farther, stay operational longer, and achieve more.

Today, more than 200 Exotrailers across Massy and Toulouse are working together to make space operations more efficient and sustainable.

Backed by over €75 million in funding, we are pursuing a clear mission:

Making space a sustainable frontier for future generations.

Job Description

To support the growth of our In‑Orbit Services (IOS) activities, we are looking for a Satellite Operations Manager capable of coordinating and leading the operations of our satellites throughout their operational lifecycle.

At the heart of our space missions, you will play a key role in the preparation, validation, execution, and monitoring of flight operations, while ensuring effective coordination between technical teams, project stakeholders, and external partners.

If you thrive in demanding technical environments, enjoy critical operations, and are passionate about the space industry, join us and contribute to the success of innovative missions in orbit.

Your Mission

As a Satellite Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the preparation, technical coordination, and execution of Exotrail's satellite flight operations.

You will ensure that operations are carried out successfully in line with mission objectives, project requirements, and industry standards.

Acting as the conductor of operational activities, you will lead operational teams and coordinate all stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of ground validation campaigns and in‑orbit operations.

Flight Operations Leadership

• Define and plan the activities of satellite operations teams.
• Ensure operational readiness throughout the different mission phases.
• Contribute to the drafting and continuous improvement of Flight Operations Procedures (FOPs).
• Develop and maintain flight operations plans.
• Supervise routine operations and critical mission events.
• Monitor technical issues and associated corrective actions.
• Prepare for and participate in operational reviews and mission milestones (FRR, LRR, OCR, Shipment Review, etc.).

Operations Work Package Management

• Act as Work Package Leader (WPL) for in‑orbit operations or ground validation activities.
• Define resources, milestones, schedules, and associated risks.
• Track progress and provide regular reporting to the Head of Mission & Operations.
• Maintain operations plans in alignment with mission requirements.
• Lead associated verification activities, including checklists, margins, records, and NCR management.

Technical Coordination

• Work closely with Systems, Avionics, GNC, Thermal, RAMS, AIT, Quality, and IT teams.
• Coordinate operations conducted from the Satellite Control Center.
• Participate in anomaly investigations and technical analyses.
• Contribute to technical decisions regarding system evolutions and configuration changes.
• Ensure proper satellite configuration management.

Quality & Documentation

• Ensure strict compliance with operational procedures.
• Maintain comprehensive and compliant technical documentation.
• Contribute to campaign reports, NCRs, and technical reports.
• Support internal and external audits as well as lessons learned activities.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the evolution of operational tools, processes, and infrastructure.
• Promote space industry best practices and ECSS standards.
• Identify improvement opportunities to enhance reliability and operational efficiency.
• Support knowledge capitalization and the reduction of non‑conformities.

What We’re Looking For

Technical Skills

• Proven experience in satellite operations or space operations.
• Strong understanding of satellite subsystems and mission control centers.
• Solid knowledge o