Operations Manager

Job description

Your (space) mission As the Operations Manager at cosine Remote Sensing you enable our Scientist and Engineers to focus on what they do best: developing breakthrough technologies and solving complex scientific challenges for space missions and Earth observation applications. You act as the operational backbone of our high-tech organisation, supporting the technical leads and the management. You streamline processes, help coordinate operational activities and support the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of scientific and engineering projects. By creating structure, transparency and efficient ways of working, you help accelerate innovation while reducing administrative burden for our highly specialised scientific staff. This role combines hands-on operational execution, project coordination, process optimisation and organisational development. You work closely with scientists, engineers and management, helping to translate ambitious research objectives into well-organised and executable project plans. Over time, the role can grow into broader operational leadership responsibilities within the company. Tasks & responsibilities In this role you will: Take ownership of operational and administrative processes that support scientific and engineering projects Support the planning and execution of R&D projects, including effort estimations, resource planning, progress tracking and project reporting Develop, standardise and continuously improve workflows, procedures and reporting structures, including procurements, across the remote sensing business unit of cosine Act as a trusted partner to our scientists and engineers, helping them complete operational and project-related requirements while minimising disruption to their technical work Provide management with operational and project portfolio insights, identify improvement opportunities and contribute to the professionalisation and scalability of the organisation Your profile We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications: MSc, Eng or PhD degree in a scientific, engineering or technical discipline. Having a PhD is an asset. Several years of experience in a research, engineering, deep-tech, (aero)space or other R&D-intensive environments Experience coordinating complex technical projects, including planning, budgeting, estimation and stakeholder management Demonstrated ability to improve processes, implement structure and drive operational excellence Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence highly educated technical professionals without direct authority Excellent analytical and organisational skills, combined with a pragmatic hands-on mindset Strong supporting and service-oriented mindset, focused on enabling teams and removing obstacles so others can perform effectively What we offer At cosine, we highly value our employees, and we will support your professional and personal development. We also provide our employees with: A unique, international working environment at the intersection of physics and engineering 27 days of annual leave (based on full-time employment) Annual bonus based on personal and company performance Hybrid working options, including the possibility to work partially from home Company bicycle- and fitness plan A personal development budget Initial one-year contract, with the aim of long-term collaboration About cosine Founded in 1998, cosine is a world-leading developer of space instrumentation and measurement systems, making the invisible measurable and the complex actionable. Its expertise spans High-Energy Optics, including optics developed for ESA’s future NewAthena X-ray observatory, as well as remote sensing solutions for Earth Observation and planetary science. With over 25 years of experience and advanced cleanroom and assembly facilities across the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, cosine brings deep scientific and engineering expertise to some of the most demanding missions in space and on Earth. What makes cosine a unique place to work is that your work goes end-to-end: from concept and design to building, testing, and delivering hardware that actually flies in space. You work in small, highly skilled teams where you have real ownership and impact, alongside experts in optics, physics, nanofabrication, and systems engineering. cosine is committed to providing an inclusive and equal opportunities work environment where everyone can thrive. As a proud member of the Women in Aerospace community, we recognise the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the workplace.