Program Manager FSO

Can you lead a multi-year, multi-partner space program and align engineering, operations, supply chain, and commercial teams to deliver a satellite constellation for high-throughput data transport? Do you thrive in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment where technical decisions must translate into reliable, cost-competitive products at scale? Do you want to help build a start-up company while shaping a roadmap that moves from prototypes to recurring production and in-orbit service?

More specifically, at FSO we initiated development of a space-based data transport layer which acts as the persistent, high reliability backbone that moves data across the system and between partners. Its primary objective is to enable near real time data delivery with latency in the order of seconds. It provides persistent connectivity, even when data throughput is low or zero, which is considered key for operations and handovers. It connects multiple space assets, such as communication or earth observation satellites, through optical inter satellite links, with several simultaneous connections in an area of interest. The constellation will be designed to be interoperable across allied systems, governed by requirements that reflect its strategic and multinational role.

In short, the transport layer is about moving large volumes of data quickly, reliably, and continuously across space and allied networks.

To lead this challenging development, FSO Instruments opened the position of Senior Program Manager – Satellite Constellation (Data Transport).

About FSO Instruments

FSO Instruments is a young start-up joint venture that develops and supplies optical-communication components, sub-systems, and terminals. FSO Instruments combines the strength of Demcon and VDL ETG, inspired by TNO technologies, enabling laser satellite communication to take the step towards industrialization. We have a strong heritage in semiconductor and aerospace, and bring this to optical communications:

• Developing and engineering laser communication terminals
• Modular and standardized functional (sub-)systems for laser communication
• Supply chain partner for cost-effective high-volume manufacturing

At FSO Instruments we industrialize state-of-the-art technologies for laser satellite communication by working closely with a broad supplier base and with Demcon and VDL ETG on the engineering and manufacturing side—ensuring we achieve the most competitive products for the space optical communications market.

In addition, FSO Instruments actively works at satellite constellation level, using advanced simulation and analysis tools to assess data transport performance, latency, availability, and resilience across multi-satellite networks. By modelling end-to-end data flows and inter-satellite link behavior, FSO supports informed architecture and trade-off decisions at system level. This capability allows FSO not only to design better optical terminals, but also to help shape and grow the market for optical inter-satellite links by demonstrating their value in operationally relevant constellations and data transport services.

What are you going to do?

• Develop and execute the end-to-end program plan for a satellite constellation enabling high-throughput data transport. It is anticipated that at some moment the program will be handed over to a large integrator or operator for (further) implementation.
• Own program governance: scope, schedule, budget, risks/opportunities, change control, and decision-making cadence across internal teams and external partners.
• Translate mission and business needs into a clear program baseline: requirements, architecture trade-offs, build cadence, and verification/validation strategy.
• Drive the integrated master schedule across development, qualification, procurement, manufacturing ramp-up, launch campaign, and in-orbit commissioning.
• Identify bottlenecks across the end-to-end value chain (technology, suppliers, test capacity, regulatory, launch, operations) and lead mitigation plans to keep the program on track.
• Ensure delivery against time, cost, and performance targets, with an emphasis on industrialization and cost-down for high-volume production.
• Serve as the primary customer/stakeholder interface for program progress, change requests, escalations, and alignment on mission and service-level objectives.
• Lead proposal and contracting activities (customers, primes, ESA/EU tenders, subsidy programs), including work breakdown structure, costing, and partner commitments.
• Establish and maintain program administration and reporting (integrated plans, RAID logs, configuration baselines, and management reviews).
• Build and scale the program organization: define interfaces, reporting, tools, and ways of working; coach project leads; and help shape the company as we grow.

What do you bring to the table?

• You have a degree at the level of higher professional education (HBO or WO), preferably in a technical or (technical) business direction.
• You have 10+ years of experience in program/project management for complex, multi-stakeholder technical systems, preferably in space, aerospace, telecom, or optical communications.
• You have experience building and executing multi-year roadmaps, managing suppliers/partners, and delivering programs that move from development to industrialized production.
• You are pragmatic and hands-on, comfortable with ambiguity, and able to operate with a high degree of independence while building structure as the organization scales.
• You communicate clearly with engineers, executives, customers, and partners, and you can lead cross-functional alignment and executive-level reporting.
• You understand the constellation lifecycle (mission definition, spacecraft/terminal development, AIT/AIV, launch and early operations, service operations) and how to integrate space and ground segments.
• You have experience with external stakeholders and constraints (e.g., ESA/EU programs, customer contracts, export control/ITAR awareness where applicable, spectrum/regulatory interfaces, quality and configuration management).
• You have an excellent command of English (spoken and written). Dutch is a plus but not mandatory.
• You are a structured leader and a team player: you create clarity in complex environments, stay calm under pressure, and drive decisions and delivery.
• You can navigate a complex stakeholder landscape and align technical, commercial, and strategic interests into a coherent program execution plan.

What do we offer you?

FSO Instruments is a dynamic, young, growing and innovative company. We place great value in a pleasant workplace and provide you with the necessary means to achieve that. Being a start-up the job comes with a significant amount of adventure, freedom, diversity and room to shape your own role and contribution to the company.

Furthermore, we offer:

• A good, competitive salary
• 31 days off and 8% holiday allowance
• A good pension scheme at Zwitserleven
• Follow training or courses at the Demcon Academy to further develop your skills
• A laptop and telephone
• Active staff association (monthly activities such as drinks and an annual Demcon weekend) and annual sporting events