Senior Project Manager – Space Payloads (Somerset West, SA)

About the role

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth‑observation camera solutions for the global small‑satellite market. We are looking for a senior project manager to lead high‑visibility payload development initiatives from concept through successful delivery, partnering with cross‑functional teams and ensuring alignment with mission objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and manage internal budgets and resource plans for payload development, monitoring expenditures and supporting audits.
• Facilitate cross‑functional communication, acting as the central point of contact for internal stakeholders.
• Lead end‑to‑end payload project planning, translating mission requirements into detailed development plans and coordinating design reviews.
• Oversee technical progress of payload subsystems, ensuring compliance with ECSS, ESA/NATO/Belgian standards and managing risk.
• Coordinate verification and validation activities, including functional, thermal and vibration testing, and ensure integration readiness.
• Maintain internal reporting, documentation and audit trails for leadership and external partners.
• Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement and innovation in project delivery.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic, Physics, Systems Engineering or related applied science.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in aerospace or space‑systems engineering, payload development or integration, and project management.
• Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects in regulated high‑tech environments.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing external suppliers or subcontractors.

Required skills

• Knowledge of ECSS standards and ESA/NATO/Belgian space compliance frameworks.
• Expertise in payload subsystem interfaces and integration workflows.
• Hands‑on experience with functional, environmental (thermal, vibration) testing and clean‑room protocols.
• Ability to produce technical documentation, design‑review reports and audit‑ready records.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in the fast‑growing space industry on cutting‑edge optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Competitive salary and a friendly working environment.