Mission Operations Lead (Ground Segment)
About this role
About Leaf Space
Leaf Space is a rapidly growing scale-up company and a leading provider of ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions. Our innovative and proprietary concept is focused on providing satellite and launch vehicle connectivity as-a-service, enabling clients to efficiently manage their assets and fully exploit data. Our GSaaS solutions have been recognized by the market for their efficiency, security, and effectiveness in supporting different applications, from remote sensing to IoT communications.
Mission Operations Lead (Ground Segment)
About the role
We are looking for a senior profile able to operate in a complex, cross-functional operational environment and progressively take ownership and leadership within the team.
The role sits at the intersection of operations, customer onboarding, product coordination, and program execution. It requires someone capable of driving topics end-to-end, structuring execution across multiple stakeholders, and operating effectively in fast-evolving and time-sensitive environments.
This position is particularly suited for candidates with a strong operational mindset, systems thinking, and the ability to connect customer impact, operational processes, software platforms, and infrastructure constraints into a coherent operational approach.
Main responsibilities
Drive and coordinate complex operational and cross-functional initiatives
Support and coordinate mission preparation activities, including pre-launch and LEOP readiness when applicable
Contribute to the evolution and scaling of operational processes and customer operations
Coordinate execution across Operations, Product, Infrastructure, and other internal stakeholders
Structure plans, priorities, timelines, and decision-making processes for operational and strategic topics
Identify operational risks, dependencies, and mitigation plans
Support customer onboarding activities in an “as a service” operational environment
Contribute to improving operational reliability, scalability, and customer experience
Take ownership of operational topics and drive them from definition to execution and closure
Progressively take leadership responsibilities within the team
Required experience and qualifications
Around 7 years of relevant professional experience
Strong experience in at least one of the following areas:
-Satellite operations
-Mission management, including pre-launch activities and LEOP preparation
-Satellite system engineering
-Product management or product ownership in technical or operational environments
Experience with customer onboarding in an “as a service” context
Strong project or program management capabilities
Ability to structure, plan, coordinate, and drive execution across multiple stakeholders
Ability to make structured decisions and prioritize effectively in ambiguous or time-sensitive situations
Demonstrated leadership potential, formal or informal
Strong ownership mindset with the ability to drive topics end-to-end
Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and teams
Ability to understand and navigate complex operational ecosystems involving:
-Software platforms
-Infrastructure constraints
-Operational processes
-Costumer impact and service delivery
What we are looking for
Strong sense of ownership and accountability
Ability to operate effectively in fast-evolving environments
Pragmatic and execution-oriented mindset
Strong communication and coordination capabilities
Ability to maintain clarity and structure in complex situations
Comfortable balancing operational, technical, and organizational considerations simultaneously
What we offer
A key role at the core of our operational and customer success strategy, with high visibility and impact
A dynamic scale-up culture combining flexibility, autonomy, and strong execution focus
Access to training and development programs to support continuous growth
Flexible hybrid or remote work policy (Italy based)
Compensation & Transparency
Reports to the Director of Operations
Internal Job Title: Head of Mission Management
Seniority level: Lead professional or Manager
Job location: Hybrid or remote (based in Italy)
Salary range: €55,000–€70,000, depending on experience
Potential variable compensation linked to performance and company goals
Comprehensive benefits package including welfare platform and meal vouchers (Italy)
Expected start date: September
Company at a glance
Maximize connectivity to your satellite with our cost-effective, global ground station network. Our automated scheduling service ensures optimal contact time, tailored to your mission's needs.
Trusted by over 55 clients in 100+ missions, we offer:
✨ Unlimited Ground Station Access: Access one or all stations at a fixed price per minute.
🔗 High Compatibility: Support for many COTS radios as we continue working with the customer to onboard new ones.
🌍 Global Network: 20 antennas across 15 strategic locations, constantly evolving with the needs of our customers.
💻 Easy-to-use API: Our RESTful API is already accessible with well-established commercial Mission Control Software and is easy to integrate.
📜 Licensing: We absorb the costs of ground-segment licensing and obtain licenses with zero hassle for the customer.
Ready to Simplify Your Satellite Connectivity? Whether you're in the midst of an active mission or the early stages of planning, it's never too early or too late to explore how Leaf Space can streamline your operations.
Contact us to learn more about how Leaf Space can help your mission.
Top Benefits
- Training and development programs
- Welfare platform
- Meal vouchers
- Flexible work policy
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