Project Manager & Operations Lead, Rockets & Balloons Department

Job opportunity Project Manager & Operations Lead, Rockets & Balloons Department Esrange (SE)•Sweden•Permanent Apply Share Description Welcome to SSC Space (formerly Swedish Space Corporation), the perfect workplace for those passionate about technology in general and space in particular. We own and operate Esrange Space Center, one of the world’s most versatile facilities for rocket and stratospheric balloon operations, enabling a broad range of scientific and technological missions. With space organizations, research institutes, institutional and commercial actors as customers, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications, spacecraft consulting services, rocket and stratospheric balloon systems, and much more. SSC Space operates one of the world’s largest global networks of ground stations for satellite communications. Are you fueled by a passion for people and the ambition to create an awesome workplace? Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with us to help Earth benefit from space?    If you answer yes to these questions, we invite you to seize the opportunity to make a significant impact as Project & Operations Manager in our Rockets & Balloons team. We are looking for a dedicated person who shares our core values of Customer passion, Care, Collaboration, Curiosity, and Courage.     Requirements We believe you possess strong technical understanding, supported by either a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience. Since we work in an international environment, with customers and colleagues from around the globe, you should have good proficiency in English. Swedish is highly valued but not mandatory.   We work according to the PPS project management model. Experience working in PPS or a similar structured project management framework is considered a merit.  We are looking for individuals who thrive in a role with a lot of responsibilities and have a business approach. You should find it easy to form a holistic view and enjoy problem-solving. The ability to stay calm in stressful situations is important.  As your daily work consists of many contacts, you should easily create and maintain relationships. You will be part of a project management team consisting of six project managers and collaborate closely with colleagues within the Rockets and Balloons department. Therefore, strong teamwork skills and the ability to work effectively with others are essential. Your personal qualities are important for our success, which means we are willing to train and develop the right candidate with less experience.   A driver’s license and access to a car are required. Responsibilities In this role, you will be entrusted with the planning, leading, and operating projects and countdowns within our Rockets and Balloons department. Your involvement will span the entire project lifecycle, from preparation and planning to operation and evaluation.  Your role involves planning rocket and balloon campaigns for international customers, from business handovers to post-flight tasks. As the primary liaison between SSC Space and our customers, you will manage stakeholder relationships with both customers and partners. Day-to-day campaign activities will be under your leadership, ensuring effective communication and coordination across teams. You will oversee projects of varying sizes and complexity, document progress, prioritize customer satisfaction, enhance processes, and centralize knowledge.  Your responsibilities include leading operations from the Operations Center during launches, overseeing coordination among all stations, planning and executing countdowns, and ensuring the safe progress of launch activities. During countdowns in challenging situations, you will be the final decision-maker, responsible for leading activities in case of mishaps, maintaining constant communication with the range, the customer, and the stations, and granting authorization for launch. As a member of the department management team, you gain insight into the strategic work of developing our operations and addressing the challenges and changes facing the space industry. Your voice and perspective from the operational activities are essential for establishing a sustainable space industry and developing SSC Space into the world’s most versatile space center.  Benefits WE OFFER YOU  A unique opportunity to contribute to a wide range of projects and play an active role in both the Swedish and international space industry.An excellent opportunity for personal and career development.An exciting, international workplace characterized by an open atmosphere and proud employees all over the world. Additional benefits In addition to vacation and traditional public holidays, we offer extra paid leave throughout the year, such as time off between Christmas and New Year, Ascension Day, amounting to 6-11 extra days depending on the calendar. Wellness allowance of SEK 5,000 per year.Health benefits such as voluntary health insurance and regular health checks for eligible employees. Access to a benefit bike through a tax-efficient leasing program.Support for employee-driven activities that promote connection, health, and culture across teams.Collective Agreement, including good pensions plans, parental pay and insurance.     LOCATION  We offer a permanent position with normal working hours (40h/week). As part of our team, you will take part in rocket and balloon campaigns which are scheduled outside normal working hours. Your primary workplace is Esrange Space Center, with occasional work at the Kiruna city center office if needed.  Work at other locations may also occur during campaigns. FURTHER INFORMATION For questions regarding the position, you are welcome to contact:Hiring Manager Name, Title: Kent Andersson, Manager Rockets & Balloons, 098072036.For questions regarding employment terms or union-related matters, you are welcome to contact our union representatives:Sveriges Ingenjörer: [email protected]: [email protected]  NEXT STEP  If this opportunity sparks your interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible! We review applications continuously and will conduct interviews throughout the process. You can submit your application up until 2026-04-28, which is the latest possible date for consideration.Please note, however, that the position may be filled before this date, and the advertisement may therefore close earlier. This allows us to manage the process efficiently and give each application the attention it deserves. When applying, please include your CV. While you are welcome to include a brief personal note or letter, our evaluation will primarily focus on your skills and qualifications as outlined in your CV, ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process.   This position requires approved pre-employment screening. These controls are based on the role that you will fulfill within the company. Additional requirements regarding citizenship may apply.  WE HELP EARTH BENEFIT FROM SPACE SSC Space is a leading global provider of advanced space services, with more than 50 years of experience. We help space organizations, research institutes, commercial and institutional actors from all over the world to get access to space. With local presence on all continents and about 750 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications and satellite control services, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services and flight test services, as well as engineering, operations and consultancy services for space missions.   We help Earth benefit from Space. Learn more at sscspace.com   Back Apply