Role highlights:
Role: Senior Operations Specialist
Department: HAPS
Location: Valencia, Spain
Working type: Hybrid
Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)
The Mission of the Senior Operations Specialist
As Senior Operations Specialist on the HAPS program, you will be the driving force behind getting ICEYEs stratospheric electric aircraft safely and successfully into the sky. You will own the development of the full operations infrastructure - hardware, software, and procedures - as well as the planning and execution of flight test campaigns from the ground up. This means interfacing with aviation authorities to secure flight clearances, developing SORA-based safety assessments, operating the aircraft from the ground control station, and translating flight test results into actionable insights that feed back into the aircrafts development. You will sit at the crossroads of engineering and operations, contributing not just to how the aircraft flies, but to how it is built, tested, and continuously improved - helping establish an operations capability that will scale as the program grows.
Who are we?
ICEYE delivers space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to governments and allied nations. This includes sovereign and turnkey ISR missions leveraging ICEYEs world-leading synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, as well as access to data from the worlds largest SAR satellite constellation. These capabilities enable partners to detect and respond to critical changes anywhere on Earth with unprecedented speed and accuracy - day or night and in any weather, supported by ultra high-resolution imagery and high-frequency revisits.
As a trusted partner for defense, intelligence, security, and maritime domain awareness, ICEYEs near real-time data creates a tactical advantage for mission-critical operations. ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, Japan, the UAE, Greece, Germany, and the US. The company has more than 900 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.
Day to day responsibilities:
Develop and assist ICEYE flight Operations
Plan & coordinate flight testing campaigns
Develop SORA-based and MET-based site/operational flight feasibility assessments tools
Interface with authorities/external entities for coordination & flight clearance
Operate unmanned aircraft (from GCS)
Assess and report flight testing results
Assist in aircraft and operations related documentation development
Assist with aircraft components integration & systems ground testing
Assist in aircraft and simulation systems development
Assist in aircraft prototyping and systems testing
Requirements:
Must have skills
5+ years of relevant experience in UAS testing and operation
Experience in aircraft prototyping & manufacturing, e.g. mechanical prototyping tools
Experience with safety analysis in the SORA framework
Good programming skills (C, C++, Python)
Ability to drive large vehicles or convoys (within limits of B license)
Good command of the English language, both oral and written
Nice to have skills
Electronics/avionics engineering profile, being able to debug and/or implement quick SW/HW solutions
Good knowledge of meteorology sciences (turbulence formation, thermic activity, etc., and how to identify it).
Familiarity with Autopilot/GPS stack calibration
Familiarity with ground software like QGroundControl
Familiarity with lightweight composite airframes
EASA-valid remote pilot license up to specific category standard scenarios
Proactive can-do attitude and love for aerospace are expected
Application process
Talent Acquisition Interview
Hiring Manager Interview
Technical Interview (onsite or virtual), including a Technical Challenge
Hiring Team Interview
Offer Decision
Working at ICEYE
At ICEYE, you'll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win.
How We Work (Our Values)
Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way.
Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the "why" behind decisions.
See the big picture: Stay close to what's happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others.
Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions.
Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift.
Have fun: What we do matters-and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing-at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table.
We're committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us-we'll do our best to help.
Apply now to start your ICEYE journey, and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com