Senior Project Manager for Space Missions / Senior Project Manageress for Space Missions

Senior Project Manager for Space Missions

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ETH Zurich | Space is dedicated to advancing space activities both within ETH and in collaboration with external stakeholders. Our mission is to position ETH Zurich as Europe's leading institution in space research and education while also being recognized as a premier partner for space-related projects within Switzerland and globally. Founded in 2022, ETH Zurich | Space has been under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen since 2023. We are committed to driving technological advancements, shaping future policies, and inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

This position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension.

Project Background

The objective of this project is to establish and develop a centralized pool of space specialists. This resource pool will bolster ETH Zurich-led space projects, positioning ETH Zurich as a key player in both the national and international space ecosystem.

A significant portion of this role will contribute to LunarLeaper, an ETH Zurich-led mission concept focused on innovative mobility and exploration strategies for the lunar surface. LunarLeaper serves as a technology pathfinder for advanced planetary systems, autonomy, and system integration, providing a unique environment for developing and maturing high-risk, high-reward space system solutions.

Job Description

As an integral part of the specialized resource pool, you will manage multiple space research projects at ETH Zurich. Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including space agencies, you will ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and budget, and consistent with ETH rules and policies.

As part of your role, you will:

• Plan and manage complex space projects, including timelines, milestones, reviews, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Actively manage project risks and issues.
• Coordinate closely with systems engineers and technical leads to ensure alignment between technical progress, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies for potential problems in collaboration with experts and space projects.
• Coordinate with stakeholders such as faculty members, industry partners, the Swiss Space Office, and space agencies such as ESA, JAXA, and NASA.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with customers and suppliers in collaboration with ETH's Research Contracts Group.
• Manage reporting, documentation, and administrative tasks, including preparing documentation packages for official reviews.
• Organize and prepare internal and external meetings.

Profile

You have a history of successfully managing complex projects, ideally in the space sector. You excel in organizational and interpersonal skills and possess excellent knowledge of the Swiss and European space ecosystem.

We are looking for someone with:

• A Master's degree in engineering or natural science.
• 5+ years of experience in managing complex projects.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, such as creating project plans and schedules.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and tight timescales.
• Knowledge of supply chain management.

Candidates who do not completely fulfill the mentioned skills are also encouraged to apply.

Additionally, the following characteristics are a plus:

• Experience with planetary or lunar rover and/or landed spacecraft is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in managing or working on space-related projects.
• Experience in collaborating with academic institutions on a space project.
• Extensive knowledge of the Swiss and European space ecosystem, including OEMs and Tier 1 -4 suppliers.
• Proficiency in business aspects of space projects, including documentation, working with suppliers, workflow design, product assurance, and task prioritization.
• Familiarity with product assurance, quality, configuration, and risk management processes, as well as international space standards such as ECSS.

Workplace

We offer a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your application by Sun. 29 March 2026 with:

• Your CV
• Job references (if available) and diplomas
• A short, up to 90-second video introduction about yourself and your motivation for this position

Apply online using the form below.

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.