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 their Pathfinder 0 mission in Q3 2027. The Pathfinder 0 mission is a 3U Cubesat mission with three objectives:
1. Validation of the satellite platform and its subsystems.
2. In-orbit flight testing of a state-of-the-art SPAD camera.
3. ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Calibration in support of radio astronomy.
EST is an officially supported EPFL MAKE, consisting of entirely student volunteers. As such, the team is looking for reliable structured guidance in the final preparatory stages before the launch of Pathfinder-0.
Main duties and responsibilities
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 are following ESA guidelines for documentation. The TPM will support the EST by:
4. Guiding the students through the critical Assembly, Integration and Verification testing phase; and
5. Acting as the Technical Project Manager to the Pathfinder-0 mission;
6. 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 labour after regular work hours. (https://www.epfl.ch/campus/services/people-experience/fr/temps-de-travail-et-conges/)
Profile
Required :
7. Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics or a related field.
8. Demonstrated experience with Assembly, Integration and Verification activities of a spacecraft
9. Strong verbal and written English communications skills.
10. Familiarity with Cubesat subsystems (ADCS, EPS, OBC, etc.).
Desired:
11. Previous work experience with ECSS documentation standards.
12. Previous work experience with ESA system reviews (CDR, QAR etc.).
13. Strong verbal and written French communications skills.
14. Project management experience.
15. A strong interest in the space sector.
We offer
Joining an international team in a top world university and work directly with students to launch a spacecraft in space in 2027.
Informations
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