Project Manager - ESA / Space (ENG/ITA)

The Cyber & Security Division of Leonardo Belgium, part of the Leonardo group, focuses on mission-critical services for EU Agencies, NATO and space organizations.

Based in Brussels, our team operates at the heart of the European Institutions ecosystem, managing complex framework contracts and delivering high-impact projects in close coordination with our engineering and delivery teams across Europe.

We offer a dynamic and international environment where project management excellence, operational rigor, and collaboration are key to success.

We are looking for a results-driven, execution-focused, and experienced Project Manager to lead complex projects in space systems and ground segment environments, including associated digital and cybersecurity components, for the European Space Agency (ESA). The role requires strong operational leadership, along with solid contractual and financial management skills.

The role requires the ability to operate within ESA’s engineering, quality and procurement frameworks (ECSS standards, ESA review cycles, multi‑contractor environments) and to work effectively in structured, multicultural and technically complex settings.

You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget and high-quality delivery, while acting as the primary point of contact for ESA stakeholders, partners, and internal teams.

Key responsibilities

• End-to-end project management of digital, cybersecurity and cloud initiatives, ensuring on-time, on-budget and high-quality delivery

• Hands-on coordination of daily operations, driving execution across cross-functional teams and external contributors

• Contract & financial management, including ESA procurement rules, Work Orders, CCNs, Statements of Work, and multi-year budget planning

• Acting as primary customer interface, ensuring clear communication, expectation management and strong client satisfaction

• Management of partners and subcontractors, ensuring contractual compliance and quality of deliverables

• Risk and issue management, proactively identifying and mitigating technical, operational and contractual risks

• Structured reporting and documentation, including KPIs, financial status, risks and governance materials

• Coordination of audit, accreditation and compliance activities in the security domain

• Ensuring compliance with ESA/ECSS standards and formal review cycles (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, QR, AR), as well as cybersecurity frameworks (e.g. ISO 27001, NIST)

• Support to bid and proposal activities, including ESA tenders (ITT, RfQ, Frame Contracts), planning and cost estimation

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience as Project Manager in structured, engineering-driven environments, ideally working with international clients or agencies (e.g. ESA, EU institutions, national space agencies, aerospace organizations), or similarly large/complex/regulated environments

• Experience managing projects for external clients of significant value (€5M+), including direct responsibility for financial management (budgeting, cost tracking, forecasting, margin monitoring) and use of cost control methodologies (e.g. Earned Value Management or equivalent)

• Experience delivering complex, engineering-driven programs (e.g. space systems, ground segment, or large-scale technical systems), including IT or cybersecurity components

Education & Certifications

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (e.g. Engineering, Computer Sciences, Cybersecurity, Sciences, Mathematics, Economics, or other equivalent technical Degree)

• Practical knowledge of project management methodologies (PM², PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent), preferably supported by a certification

Key Skills

• Good understanding of digital, cyber and cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP – conceptual level)

• Familiarity with ESA/ECSS standards and review processes is a strong asset

• Strong financial and contractual management capabilities (Work Orders, CCNs, T&M, Fixed Price)

• Advanced knowledge of project/program management, including Earned Value Management (CPI, SPI)

• Proficiency in MS Project or Primavera, SAP, JIRA/Confluence, Microsoft Office

• Ability to interpret technical documentation and coordinate with engineering teams

Personal attributes

• Strong ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams in international environments

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at multiple organizational levels

• High level of ownership, autonomy and accountability

• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset with ability to manage multiple priorities

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

• Ability to operate in structured, documentation-heavy environments

• High level of reliability and discretion when handling sensitive information

Languages

• English: C1 level

• Italian: B2/Working proficiency

Other requirements

• Availability to occasionally travel and work onsite at ESA facilities (Redu, Belgium)

• Ability to work in process-driven and documentation-heavy environments

• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance (EU SECRET / NATO SECRET)

• Willingness to complete internal security training

Nice to have

• Experience with Agile frameworks (Scrum, SAFe)

• Previous experience in ESA, space, defence or aerospace programs

• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST)

• Previous security clearance (NOS) is a strong asset

What we have to offer

• A strategic role at the core of high-impact space and cybersecurity projects

• A permanent contract with Leonardo, a leading international player in Cyber Security

• A hybrid work model combining flexibility and on-site collaboration in Brussels

• Exposure to complex, large-scale projects with international stakeholders

• A multicultural and collaborative environment with strong development opportunities

• A supportive and inclusive culture where innovation thrives

• A competitive salary aligned with experience and market standards

If you are looking to be part of a dynamic team in a human scale structure, engage with the latest technologies, and contribute to innovative projects within the Cyber & Security Division at Leonardo Belgium, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our forward-thinking organization!