Project Manager
Thales · Tres Cantos, Madrid ·
- Work mode
- Hybrid
- Employment
- Contract
- Category
- Project management
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Company size
- 1000+
The Project Manager will lead complex space programs from proposal through delivery, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to manage scope, budget, and technical requirements. The role involves overseeing satellite and ground segment projects while maintaining strong customer relationships and ensuring operational excellence.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Project Manager to lead complex space programs from proposal and contract award through to project delivery and customer acceptance.
In this role, you will manage projects across our space portfolio, including RF equipment for telecommunications satellites, satellite communication and control units, digital onboard processing solutions, ground segment systems, spacecraft control platforms, and associated test equipment.
As a key contributor to business success, you will drive project execution while balancing customer expectations, technical requirements, cost, quality, schedule, and risk. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, customers, suppliers, and senior leadership in an international environment.
This position requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex technical challenges in a highly specialized and fast-evolving space industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end project execution, ensuring delivery on scope, quality, schedule, and budget objectives.
- Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, resource allocation, and performance indicators.
- Monitor project progress and proactively adapt plans to address emerging challenges and changing priorities.
- Manage customer relationships and act as the primary interface for project-related communications.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across engineering, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and support functions.
- Identify, assess, and manage project risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
- Define and implement mitigation and contingency plans to minimize project exposure.
- Ensure effective governance through regular reporting, project reviews, and executive presentations.
- Oversee contractual commitments and ensure compliance with customer requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project execution methodologies and operational efficiency.
- Promote collaboration, accountability, and high team engagement within the project organization.
- Contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation, tender reviews, cost estimations, and bid management support.
- Utilize project management best practices, tools, and digital solutions to improve visibility and decision-making.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex technical or engineering projects.
- Previous experience in the space, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, or other high-technology sectors is highly valued.
- Proven experience managing cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.
- Solid understanding of project management methodologies
- Experience managing customer-facing projects and contractual commitments.
Preferred Certifications
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- IPMA Certification
Key Competencies
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
- Strategic mindset with strong business acumen.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Risk management and problem-solving skills.
- Negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
- Financial awareness, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Decision-making based on data and project performance metrics.
- Resilience and adaptability under pressure.
- Attention to detail while maintaining a broad project perspective.
Languages
- Fluent English (mandatory).
- Additional European languages are considered an asset.
What We Offer
- Flexible and smart working model, including hybrid work arrangements and flexible working hours.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Free meals at the office.
- 28 business days of annual leave.
- Company pension plan.
- Individual learning and development programs.
- Opportunities to work on cutting-edge space technologies and international projects.
- Collaborative, innovative, and multicultural working environment.
- Career growth opportunities within a rapidly evolving industry.