Spacecraft Team- Pathfinder - Technical Project manager

Mission

The EPFL Space Center is the interdisciplinary hub that brings together all aspects of space education, research, and innovation. With the Education Mission, EPFL Space Center supervises and coaches the EPFL Spacecraft Team.

The EPFL Spacecraft Team (EST) is scheduled to launch its Pathfinder 0 Mission in Q3 2027. The Pathfinder 0 Mission is a 3U Cubesat Mission with three objectives:

• Validation of the satellite platform and its subsystems.
• In-orbit flight testing of a state‑of‑the‑art SPAD camera.
• Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) calibration in support of radio astronomy.

EST is an officially supported EPFL MAKE, consisting entirely of student volunteers. As such, the team is looking for reliable structured guidance in the final preparatory stages before the launch of Pathfinder‑0.

The Technical Project Manager (TPM) will support the EST through the final phases of the Pathfinder‑0 mission. Currently, the EST is enrolled in the ESA Fly Your Satellite Design Booster and thus is following ESA guidelines for documentation. The TPM will support the EST by:

• Guiding the students through the critical Assembly, Integration, and Verification testing phase; and
• Acting as the Technical Project Manager for the Pathfinder‑0 mission;
• Acting as a liaison between the EST and interested parties.

Please note that working with a student team can involve some flexibility in hours as many students perform the majority of their labor after regular work hours.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with Assembly, Integration and Verification activities of a spacecraft.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• Familiarity with Cubesat subsystems (ADCS, EPS, OBC, etc.).

• Previous work experience with ECSS documentation standards.
• Previous work experience with ESA system reviews (CDR, QAR, etc.).
• Strong verbal and written French communication skills.
• Project management experience.
• A strong interest in the space sector.

Joining an international team at a top world university and working directly with students to launch a spacecraft in space in 2027.

A short position‑specific cover letter including a brief summary of your experience with AIV activities and your ability to deliver the project objectives in the set 18‑month timeframe. Generic cover letters will not be considered.

Contract

Start Date:

02/16/2026

Activity Rate Min: 50.00

Activity Rate Max: 60.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 12 months, renewable up until 18 months in total

Reference: 1926