Project Manager (Space Ground Segment and Earth Observation Platforms) – Part-time 50 – 60 %
Posted
Summary
Part-time (50–60%) Project Manager at Solenix, a space engineering and consulting firm, leading two parallel Swiss projects for institutional customers — one as prime contractor, one within a consortium. Day-to-day work covers planning, formal reporting, risk and budget tracking, and coordinating partners, in a hybrid role based in Basel.
About Solenix and our qualities
Solenix is a privately owned and international company providing engineering and consulting services in the space market, with branches in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. We are known for high-quality services, user-oriented solutions, reliable partnerships and constructive collaboration. Our customers include space agencies such as ESA, EUMETSAT and DLR, as well as large private sector companies. Solenix is specialized in distributed systems and client applications and applies modern technologies with a focus on high-performing, robust and light solutions.
Why should you apply?
Job Description
We are looking for a Project Manager to lead our Swiss project portfolio, managing two parallel projects for institutional customers: one as prime contractor, one as part of a multi-company consortium. You will own delivery on scope, schedule and budget for both, working closely with technical leads, management, and external partners.
Your key responsibilities include:
· Manage projects end-to-end: kick-off, planning, execution, review gates, and close-out
· Maintain project plans, schedules, risk and dependency registers, and financial/payment plans
· Own the customer relationship: chair meetings, lead reviews, handle escalations and action items
· Deliver contractual reporting on time (progress reports, meeting minutes, final reports)
· Coordinate consortium partners and subcontractors, consolidating their inputs and deliverables
· Track dependencies outside your direct control and report risks/delays early with clear options
· Monitor budget and margin against fixed-price contracts; flag issues and build the case for change requests
· Ensure compliance with customer and internal standards and processes
· Support outreach activities (project website, communications, public-facing events) for one of the projects
· Contribute to proposals and business development for the Swiss office
Essential qualifications and experience
· A degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field
· 4+ years managing technical projects, ideally in space, defence, or high-tech sectors, including fixed-price contracts
· Experience with institutional customers: formal reporting, milestone reviews, contractual deliverables
· Strong track record coordinating consortium partners or subcontractors and managing external dependencies
· Solid understanding of software/system development lifecycles
· Experience in risk management, change control, and financial project tracking
· Excellent written communication skills
· Confidence holding firm positions with customers or partners on scope, schedule, or responsibility
· Structured, self-organised, and able to manage multiple reporting rhythms in parallel
· Fluent English
Other desirable qualifications and experience
· Experience as a subcontractor within a larger consortium
· Familiarity with agile delivery inside formal review-driven lifecycles
· Knowledge of relevant institutional procurement processes
· Domain knowledge in Earth observation, ground segments, or cloud platforms
· Stakeholder management/outreach experience with public authorities
· PM certification (PMP, PRINCE2, IPMA)
· German or French language skills
Work Location
This is a hybrid role based in Basel, Switzerland, combining regular on-site collaboration with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. Occasional travel within Europe is required.
Solenix is a privately owned and international company providing engineering and consulting services in the space market, with branches in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. We are known for high-quality services, user-oriented solutions, reliable partnerships and constructive collaboration. Our customers include space agencies such as ESA, EUMETSAT and DLR, as well as large private sector companies. Solenix is specialized in distributed systems and client applications and applies modern technologies with a focus on high-performing, robust and light solutions.
Why should you apply?
- Solenix is a group of motivated, dynamic and creative people who enjoy high-quality work, as well as a relaxed and flexible work atmosphere.
- You can expect a friendly working environment, exciting and challenging projects and varied team events.
- Solenix focuses on solution-oriented and innovative approaches.
Job Description
We are looking for a Project Manager to lead our Swiss project portfolio, managing two parallel projects for institutional customers: one as prime contractor, one as part of a multi-company consortium. You will own delivery on scope, schedule and budget for both, working closely with technical leads, management, and external partners.
Your key responsibilities include:
· Manage projects end-to-end: kick-off, planning, execution, review gates, and close-out
· Maintain project plans, schedules, risk and dependency registers, and financial/payment plans
· Own the customer relationship: chair meetings, lead reviews, handle escalations and action items
· Deliver contractual reporting on time (progress reports, meeting minutes, final reports)
· Coordinate consortium partners and subcontractors, consolidating their inputs and deliverables
· Track dependencies outside your direct control and report risks/delays early with clear options
· Monitor budget and margin against fixed-price contracts; flag issues and build the case for change requests
· Ensure compliance with customer and internal standards and processes
· Support outreach activities (project website, communications, public-facing events) for one of the projects
· Contribute to proposals and business development for the Swiss office
Essential qualifications and experience
· A degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field
· 4+ years managing technical projects, ideally in space, defence, or high-tech sectors, including fixed-price contracts
· Experience with institutional customers: formal reporting, milestone reviews, contractual deliverables
· Strong track record coordinating consortium partners or subcontractors and managing external dependencies
· Solid understanding of software/system development lifecycles
· Experience in risk management, change control, and financial project tracking
· Excellent written communication skills
· Confidence holding firm positions with customers or partners on scope, schedule, or responsibility
· Structured, self-organised, and able to manage multiple reporting rhythms in parallel
· Fluent English
Other desirable qualifications and experience
· Experience as a subcontractor within a larger consortium
· Familiarity with agile delivery inside formal review-driven lifecycles
· Knowledge of relevant institutional procurement processes
· Domain knowledge in Earth observation, ground segments, or cloud platforms
· Stakeholder management/outreach experience with public authorities
· PM certification (PMP, PRINCE2, IPMA)
· German or French language skills
Work Location
This is a hybrid role based in Basel, Switzerland, combining regular on-site collaboration with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. Occasional travel within Europe is required.