Satellite Program Manager

Satellite Program Manager

Loft Orbital

Toulouse, France

Loft Orbital is seeking a Senior Satellite Program Manager to lead execution of complex spacecraft and mission programs from contract award through on-orbit delivery. This role is accountable for establishing a credible program baseline and driving disciplined execution against it, across engineering, manufacturing, AIT, launch, and suppliers.

This is a hands-on execution leadership role - not a coordination role. You will build and own Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), manage cost and risk, and act as the primary execution interface to customers and internal leadership.

About this role:

Program Ownership & Execution:

• Own end-to-end delivery of one or more complex satellite programs
• Establish and maintain the program baseline (scope, schedule, cost, risk)
• Drive execution to that baseline; lead replans and recovery when required
• Serve as the primary customer interface for execution, schedule, and delivery commitments

Integrated Master Scheduling:

• Build and own logic-driven Level 4–5 IMSs
• Validate dependencies across hardware, software, AIT, launch, and suppliers
• Ensure schedules are executable, resource-aware, and actively used to manage work
• Drive weekly/biweekly execution cadence tied directly to the IMS

Cost, Risk, and Decision Support:

• Own program ETC/EAC in partnership with Finance
• Maintain an active risk register with mitigation, off-ramps, and retirement criteria
• Prepare and lead internal and external program reviews (PMRs, design reviewed, readiness reviews)
• Provide leadership with clear decision data, not status theater

Cross-Functional & Supplier Leadership:

• Drive alignment across engineering, product, manufacturing, software, mission ops, and launch
• Manage strategic suppliers as extensions of the program
• Escalate and resolve execution conflicts decisively

Program Ownership, Customer Interface & Contract Execution:

• Own end-to-end program execution from contract award through on-orbit delivery
• Serve as the primary customer interface for execution, schedule, scope, and delivery commitments
• Translate contractual requirements into an executable program baseline
• Ensure customer expectations remain aligned with technical and schedule reality

Contract Administration & Change Control:

• Own day-to-day contract administration for assigned programs, in partnership with Legal and Finance
• Track contractual obligations, milestones, deliverables, and acceptance criteria
• Lead assessment and negotiation of scope changes, contract modifications, and schedule impacts
• Ensure execution remains compliant with contract terms and data rights requirements
• Support invoicing milestones, deliverable acceptance, and customer reporting

Reviews & External Communications:

• Lead customer program reviews, readiness reviews, and delivery checkpoints
• Ensure clear documentation of decisions, changes, and customer direction
• Act as Loft’s execution authority in customer-facing forums

Must Haves:

• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or complex technical programs
• Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end program delivery
• Deep experience building and executing Integrated Master Schedules
• Strong understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams under ambiguity

Nice to Haves:

• Experience with multi-program ownership or portfolios
• Familiarity with DCMA-style schedule health principles
• Experience interfacing with government or institutional customers