Project Manager – Space Systems

Location:Bucharest
Company:TCE
Client Assignment:European Space Agency (ESA)

This opportunity is within TCE, a member of NKT Energy, the group that also includes ETHGroup and Energotech. While this position is posted through our group channels, the role is fully embedded within the TCE engineering team and its active projects.

About TCE

TCE is a leading engineering services provider delivering high-end technical expertise to the aerospace and space sectors. We support major European programs by supplying specialized engineering talent to institutional and commercial space projects.

We are currently seeking a Project Manager – Space Systems, preferably with an academic background in Aerospace Engineering, to support projects at the European Space Agency (ESA).

Position Overview

The Project Manager will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities related to space hardware development, test environments, and system verification.

This role includes direct coordination of:

• The Senior Mechanical Designer (Siemens NX) responsible for space hardware design and documentation
• The Automation Engineer – Test Environment responsible for DAQ systems, PLC automation (including TIA Portal), and simulation infrastructure

The Project Manager ensures alignment between mechanical design, test infrastructure, verification strategy, schedule, cost, and ESA requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full project lifecycle execution (initiation through closure)
• Define project scope, WBS, milestones, and deliverables
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules covering:
• • Mechanical design activities
  • Test environment development
  • Verification and validation campaigns
• Coordinate daily technical activities between mechanical and automation/test teams
• Ensure design-for-test alignment between hardware development and automated test systems
• Monitor cost, schedule, risk, and quality performance
• Interface directly with ESA technical officers and stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with ECSS standards and contractual requirements
• Prepare and lead formal reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR, AR, etc.)
• Manage project risks and cross-functional technical dependencies
• Oversee suppliers and subcontractors where applicable
• Ensure proper configuration management and documentation control

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering (preferred) or Mechanical/Electrical Engineering with aerospace specialization
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in aerospace or space projects
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong understanding of space system lifecycle (Phase 0/A through Phase E)
• Experience coordinating both design and test/validation activities
• Familiarity with ECSS standards and ESA governance structure
• Experience in schedule management tools and cost control
• Strong leadership and stakeholder communication skills
• Professional-level English

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience managing ESA institutional programs
• Certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent)
• Experience in hardware development and AIT campaigns
• Understanding of automation systems and test bench infrastructure
• Experience working in international and multicultural engineering environments

Personal Competencies

• Strong systems-level thinking
• Ability to bridge design and test engineering disciplines
• Excellent coordination and conflict-resolution skills
• Structured, analytical, and proactive mindset
• High level of accountability and ownership

What We Offer

• Leadership role in high-impact European space programs
• Direct collaboration with the European Space Agency
• Opportunity to manage multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Long-term strategic assignment within advanced space projects
• Competitive compensation package and professional growth opportunities