Spaceflight Operations Lead | European NewSpace | Bordeaux - Relocation not immediately necessary GTS Space is working with a company that sits at the forefront of Europe's emerging in-space manufacturing sector. They design and operate autonomous microgravity missions serving the biotech, pharmaceutical, agri-tech, and advanced materials industries — and they're now looking for an experienced Operations Lead to take a structuring role within their Mission Operations Team.The roleThis is a hands-on leadership position spanning the full mission lifecycle — from pre-mission planning and MCC readiness through to real-time operations, anomaly response, and post-mission review. You'll act as the primary point of contact for one of the company's Mission Control Centres, coordinate and develop a pool of operators, and help shape the operational processes and tools that underpin every mission.As much as this role demands operational rigour, it also rewards fresh thinking. You'll be expected to bring a critical, constructive perspective on how things are done — and the appetite to improve them.What you'll be doingLeading mission operations across all phases, including real-time execution and contingency responseOverseeing MCC readiness and coordinating operators in line with established proceduresSupporting operator training and certification, particularly in payload operationsDefining, reviewing, and maintaining operational procedures, checklists, and mission rulesLeading post-mission reviews and driving continuous improvementContributing to ConOps development and operational documentationInterfacing with engineering, integration, and software teams as requiredRepresenting the company with external institutional and industrial partners on ground segment topicsWhat we're looking forA degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline3–7 years of experience in space mission operations, ground control, or payload operationsProven involvement in real-time operations and anomaly management for satellites, payloads, or spacecraftA solid understanding of mission operations workflows, TT&C protocols, and satellite ground control systemsFamiliarity with the space environment and its operational constraintsExperience in a startup or agile space environment is a strong advantageExperience with scientific payloads or technical demonstrators in microgravity is a plusStrong communication skills and the ability to convey operational priorities clearly to external partnersWhat's on offerA central, ownership-driven role in one of Europe's most ambitious space venturesCompetitive salary and benefitsReal influence over how mission operations are structured and scaledA collaborative team of engineers, scientists, and entrepreneursClear paths for progression — including Flight Director, Payload Ops Lead, and Mission Manager tracks