As Space Mission Architect, you will lead the definition of our Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) missions, from the first customer conversations through to winning proposals and beyond. You will own the mission concept end to end and turn customer needs into architectures that are technically robust, affordable and deliverable.

You will:

• Shape RPO and IOS missions at the earliest stage through feasibility assessments, concept iterations and initial discussions.
• Lead the design of RPO and IOS missions, taking them from initial concept through ConOps to a mature mission architecture.
• Define mission architectures across space, ground and launch segments, covering the servicer, the client spacecraft and the operations concept.
• Engage directly with customers, both ESA and commercial, to refine requirements and shape solutions together.
• Lead proposal development, ensuring technical credibility, cost realism and alignment with customer expectations, including the programmatic backbone of ESA bids (WBS, work packages, DDVP)
• Drive mission analysis and trade-off studies, from delta-V, mass and power budgets to system-level architecture decisions.
• Work with platform, propulsion and payload suppliers to build a coherent end-to-end solution

Requirements:

• 5+ years in the space industry, with hands-on experience across the mission lifecycle, ideally from concept through design and development to operations
• A track record of defining and analysing missions: orbital analysis, mission budgets and system trade-offs
• Experience leading or contributing to technical proposals for ESA or commercial customers
• Solid orbital mechanics
• Ability to translate customer needs into mission and system requirements
• Confidence dealing with ambiguity, using structured thinking to create clarity and move things forward
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage customers, suppliers, and both technical and non-technical audiences
• A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Fluent written and spoken English

Nice to have

• Experience in RPO missions, GNC for proximity operations. If you haven’t worked on RPO yet but have a strong mission background and want to get into it, we’d love to hear from you.
• Mission analysis and simulation tools such as GMAT, FreeFlyer, MATLAB or Python libraries.
• Experience on ESA-funded programmes

We Offer:

• Exciting career opportunities in a fast-growing space industry company.
• Opportunity to contribute to innovative projects for the ESA and other clients.
• Competitive salary based on your qualifications, experience, and responsibilities.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and industry events.
• Private healthcare coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Access to sports packages.

Interested candidates are kindly requested to submit their CV including the following consent statement:

“I hereby consent to the processing of my personal data by PIAP Space sp. z o.o. for the purposes of current and future recruitment processes, in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act of 10 May 2018 and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR) concerning the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data.”

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.