Senior Satellite Constellation Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

📋 Description

• Lead initiatives that advance Planet’s expanding constellation business line across the Middle East and North Africa region.

• Oversee programs exceeding $100M aimed at developing, launching, and operating Pelican satellites for Planet and key MENA clients.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams and resources to ensure that delivered capabilities meet client expectations and provide outstanding imagery products.

• Ensure that Pelican satellites deployed in orbit remain healthy and productive, managing operations throughout the contract lifecycle.

• Develop plans, programs, and teams that optimize mission success.

• Collaborate with Mission Directors and colleagues in Space Systems, Software Engineering, and corporate functions to resolve resource conflicts and balance timelines.

• Act as the accountable individual for the overall success of the program.

• Serve as the main link for regional contract execution, incorporating cultural nuances and customer needs into the execution strategy.

• Fulfill program-level requirements while cultivating client credibility, relationships, and satisfaction.

• Align CxS programs with Pelican’s commercial, technical, and product roadmap as well as other product offerings.

• Represent assigned programs to senior leadership and the wider organization.

• Implement CxS contracts through a cohesive core team that includes engineering, operations, product, finance, and commercial functions.

• Evaluate and balance execution risks across engineering, launch, and operations.

• Act as Planet’s CxS business line representative to partners, customers, and the media as necessary.

⛳️ Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in space systems development, management, and/or operations; relevant aerospace and tech experience on comparable programs will also be considered.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• Fluent in Arabic and possess professional working proficiency in English.

• Extensive knowledge of LEO satellite operations, satellite design, and the factors necessary for mission success.

• Understanding of tasking business models and remote sensing technologies.

• Capability to operate effectively and decisively in a rich information environment with minimal guidance and significant autonomy.

• Ability to make decisions that align with Planet’s technical and strategic roadmap as well as core values.

• Willingness to navigate ambiguity and risk, making decisions that clarify execution for teams.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills.

• Willingness to travel within the Middle East as required and to California or Germany 2–3 times per year.

• Capability to maintain availability for Pacific and European time zones during scheduled meetings, complemented by skills in asynchronous coordination.

• Proven success in developing, managing, or operating large satellite constellations.

• Expertise in leading and executing major corporate initiatives through cross-departmental teams.

• Demonstrated examples of proactively managing and mitigating program risks for space initiatives.

• Ability to access relevant U.S. and German/EU export-controlled information without requiring additional export licensing.

🏝️ Benefits

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and company-wide days off.

• Employee Wellness Program.

• Home Office Reimbursement.

• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement.

• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning.

• Equity.

• Paid Time Off for Volunteering.