Senior Project Manager (South Africa)

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for delivering complex projects that make a real impact?
We're seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead high‑visibility initiatives from concept through successful delivery. In this pivotal role, you'll partner with cross‑functional teams, guide stakeholders through clarity and alignment, and bring structure, foresight, and leadership to every phase of the project lifecycle. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, excel at navigating ambiguity, and are motivated by driving meaningful outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Type: Fulltime

Remote Opportunity : No

Report To: Group Project Management Manager

Location : Somerset West, South Africa

Job Purpose :

Lead and coordinate the end-to-end development of space payloads, ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery in alignment with mission objectives and organisational strategy.

Responsibilities :

Budget & Resource Control

• Develop and manage internal budgets for payload development, including procurement of components and test equipment.
• Monitor internal resource utilization and adjust plans to optimize team performance and cost efficiency.
• Support internal audits and financial reporting related to project expenditures.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Facilitate effective communication between departments to ensure smooth execution and timely issue resolution.
• Act as the central point of contact for internal stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Payload Project Planning & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of payload development projects, from concept through integration and testing.
• Translate mission requirements into detailed payload development plans, ensuring alignment with technical, schedule, and budget constraints.
• Coordinate internal design reviews, technical milestones, and readiness assessments.

Technical Oversight & Risk Management

• Oversee technical progress of payload subsystems, ensuring compliance with mission specs and interface requirements.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks early through proactive planning, simulations, and trade-off analyses.
• Ensure internal adherence to ECSS standards and ESA/NATO/Belgian space compliance frameworks.

Internal Reporting & Stakeholder Communication

• Provide regular updates to internal leadership on project status, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare internal documentation for design reviews, test campaigns, and integration readiness.
• Ensure traceability of decisions and maintain a clear audit trail for internal and external stakeholders.

Quality, Testing & Integration Readiness

• Coordinate internal payload verification and validation activities, including functional, environmental, and performance testing.
• Ensure payloads meet internal quality standards before delivery to integration or launch partners.
• Collaborate with internal AIT teams to ensure smooth handover and integration of payloads into spacecraft platforms.

Knowledge Management & Continuous Improvement

• Capture lessons learned from each payload development cycle and feed them into internal process improvements.
• Promote internal knowledge sharing across projects and teams to build organisational expertise in payload development.
• Stay informed on emerging payload technologies and propose internal innovation initiatives where applicable.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Encourage innovation in project delivery, leveraging emerging technologies and methodologies.
• Lead internal initiatives to improve project workflows, documentation standards, and knowledge sharing.
• Stay informed on industry trends and integrate best practices into internal project management processes.

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering or Applied Sciences (with relevant technical specialisation).

Required Experience :

5+ years of relevant professional experience in Aerospace or space systems engineering, Payload development or integration and/or project management in high-tech or regulated industries.

Recommendations:

• Master's degree (MSc or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience with designing, developing, testing, or integrating space payloads, such as optical instruments, communication systems, scientific sensors, or Earth observation equipment.
• Familiarity with payload subsystem interfaces, environmental constraints, and mission-specific requirements.
• Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects in aerospace, defense, or high-tech sectors.
• Experience managing project lifecycles, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., systems engineering, thermal, mechanical, software, AIT).
• Ability to coordinate internal resources and external suppliers or subcontractors.
• Exposure to ECSS standards, ESA project methodologies, or similar frameworks.
• Understanding of space industry regulations, including export control, cybersecurity, and quality assurance.
• Experience overseeing or participating in payload testing, including functional, environmental (thermal, vibration), and performance validation.
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, test facilities, and integration workflows.
• Experience preparing technical documentation, project reports, and internal review materials.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, including engineering leads, finance, and executive leadership.

What we offer :

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now by submitting your CV.