Technical Program Manager & Engineering Operations (Aerospace / Robotics)

At Near Space Labs we design, build and operate a fleet of stratospheric robots to image the Earth. We launch our proprietary, balloon-based imaging robots to heights between 40,000 and 60,000 feet. From this vantage point, we capture petabytes of imagery for a variety of use cases. 

We are seeking a Technical Program Manager to coordinate the lifecycle of new features and upgrades across R&D, Manufacturing, and Fleet Management. Reporting directly to the CTO, you will be responsible for aligning cross-functional requirements, managing critical-path schedules, and ensuring that our technical standards are met from prototype to deployment. We are looking for a systems-thinker who can manage the complexity of deploying new hardware to real-life applications, while fostering a culture of disciplined execution.

Your responsibilities will be

• Create and co-own the project plans and schedule for new features, from inception to deployment in the field.
• Coordinate and trade-off the inputs and needs of the different departments involved in a feature release.
• Coordinate project gates such as acceptance reviews and others.
• Communicate with Flight Operations on the status of feature requests and releases.
• Evolve or streamline the existing processes for hardware development and manufacturing in an aerospace environment, with the ideal balance of agility and rigour.
• Enhance the tooling that supports development processes, configuration management and traceability if needed.
• Lead cross-functional projects with other teams like data engineering, flight operations and product.

Your Skills & Background 

• Experience in project management in engineering environments with real-life tradeoffs.
• 10+ years of experience, of which 2+ in a similar role.
• Hands-on experience with design, manufacturing or test processes in Robotics, Aeronautics, Drones, Auto, IoT, or a similar field containing hardware and embedded software.
• Degree in engineering; aerospace, industrial, mechanical, production, electronics or similar.
• Mission-oriented and focused on accomplishing goals autonomously.
• Willingness to cover different hats  and roles as the company expands.

Location

This is an onsite, full-time role in Barcelona, Spain.

What We Offer

• An exciting startup culture where you will have the opportunity to play a critical role in building and scaling a one-of-a-kind technology and organization.
• You will be part of an enthusiastic, international and motivated team of professionals who are committed to building unique technologies, being rigorous, and finding novel solutions to interesting problems.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace where we welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. 
• A commitment that you will never be bored.

Equal employment opportunity

Near Space Labs is committed to diversity in our organization and building an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences. Near Space Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: United States (Remote or Hybrid in Brooklyn, NY)

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us

We are a growth-stage technology company at the forefront of geospatial imaging. We provide high-fidelity, actionable spatial data and analytics that empower our clients to make critical, real-world decisions. As we scale our market presence, we are looking for driven, agile professionals to help us build the foundation for exponential revenue growth.

Near Space Labs operates the world’s largest stratospheric imaging and data capture platform. We launch our proprietary, autonomous vehicles robots to altitudes between 60,000 and 100,000 feet. From this vantage point, we capture petabytes of high-resolution aerial imagery and data to support business, community, and climate resilience.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Account Executive will be a pivotal player on our small but high-impact sales team. You will be responsible for maximizing company growth by driving both Direct Sales and Channel Sales. Your focus will include acquiring and expanding business within three key verticals: Insurance, State & Local Government, and Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC). This is a high-visibility role perfect for a self-starter who thrives in a growth-stage environment and wants to have a direct hand in shaping the company's revenue trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Full-Cycle Direct Sales: Prospect, qualify, negotiate, and close new business within the Insurance, State & Local Government, and AEC sectors.
• Own the Pipeline: Build and manage a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities, maintaining accurate forecasting and reporting in the CRM.
• Be a Strategic Advisor: Deeply understand the unique challenges of our target verticals and position our geospatial imaging solutions as essential, value-driving products.
• Develop Channel Opportunities: Identify, onboard, and manage strategic channel opportunities to expand our reach and multiply our sales efforts.
• Collaborate with Leadership: Work hand-in-hand with the CEO, Marketing, and Product teams to refine go-to-market strategies, relay customer feedback, and iterate on pricing and packaging.

Maximize Growth: Consistently meet and exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets while helping establish scalable sales processes for the future.

Qualifications

• Experience: 4+ years of B2B sales experience in SaaS, enterprise software, or complex technology sales.
• Industry Knowledge: Prior experience selling into Insurance, State & Local Government, or AEC is highly preferred. Familiarity with geospatial data, GIS, or imaging technology is a massive plus.
• Dual Sales Motion: Proven track record of success in both direct enterprise sales and building/managing channel partnerships.
• Track Record: Documented history of consistently exceeding quota and driving revenue growth in a startup or growth-stage environment.
• Executive Presence: Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently pitch to C-level executives, technical buyers, and government officials.

Startup Mentality: Highly adaptable, entrepreneurial, and comfortable navigating ambiguity. You are a builder who doesn't wait for a playbook; you write it.

What We Offer

• The unique opportunity to sell a category-defining, AI-ready solution across industries and use cases
• An exciting startup culture where you will have the opportunity to play a critical role in building and scaling a one-of-a-kind technology in direct partnership with the founding/executive team
• A diverse and inclusive workplace where we welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives

Compensation & Benefits

• $85,000 - $110,000 base salary (depending on location and experience), plus commission
• Flexible PTO
• 401k plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Opportunity for equity
• Training and development, as well as opportunities to grow within the organization

Equal Employment Opportunity

Near Space Labs is committed to diversity in our organization and building an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences. Near Space Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

At Near Space Labs we design, build and operate a fleet of stratospheric robots to image the earth. We launch our proprietary, balloon-based imaging robots to heights between 40,000 and 60,000 feet. From this vantage point, we capture petabytes of imagery for a variety of use cases. Our mission is to provide high quality, updated imagery that we believe should be accessible to everyone who needs it. By approaching earth imaging from a new vantage point and applying cutting edge methodologies, we drive faster aerospace innovation without tradeoffs.

We are always on the look out for creative, curious, and diverse problem solvers who thrive in organized chaos. If you’re a hardworking innovative thinker who is passionate about pushing boundaries in the aerospace field and contributing to a collaborative environment, then we want to hear from you.

Locations

Brooklyn, NY / US (remote)

Barcelona, Spain / EU nationals or work permit holders

General Skills We Look For:

Not all of this is required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Data Science, Management Information Systems or a related analytical field.
• Bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience working with technical hardware, or a BS degree desirable but not essential.
• Experience in an engineering production or maintenance organization.
• A proven track record of 2-5 years in a relevant field, demonstrating expertise and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams, effectively delegating tasks, and optimizing operational workflows to achieve desired outcomes.
• Exceptional ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and ensure adherence to strict deadlines.
• A solid background in workflow coordination, efficient task assignment, and the implementation of robust quality assurance processes, preferably within a data-intensive environment.
• Ability to review processing performance metrics, identify trends, and suggest data-informed improvements to existing workflows.
• Familiarity in using workflow management tools such as Airtable or similar platforms for effective task tracking and team collaboration is a plus.
• Geospatial/Remote Sensing Experience (nice to have): Familiarity with aerial imagery, mapping principles, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is advantageous but not a prerequisite.

Don't Meet Every Requirement?

Studies have shown that women, marginalized genders, and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Near Space Labs, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about applying but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the general skills listed, then we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

What We Offer

• An exciting startup culture where you will have the opportunity to play a critical role in building and scaling a one-of-a-kind technology and organization.
• You will be part of an enthusiastic, international and motivated team of professionals who are committed to building unique technologies, being rigorous, and finding novel solutions to interesting problems.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace where we welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. 
• A commitment that you will never be bored.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunity for equity. 

Equal employment opportunity:

Near Space Labs is committed to diversity in our organization and building an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences. Near Space Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Reports to: Lead Operator Stratospheric Systems

Location: Nationwide with candidates residing within 60-90 minutes’ drive time of a major airport.

Status: Full-time

Pay Range: $17 - $20/hr

Travel: 100% travel role

About Near Space Labs

Near Space Labs is leading the next generation of Earth imaging. We design, build, and operate a fleet of proprietary, stratospheric systems called Swiftys. Our Swiftys fly to the edge of space to deliver high quality, updated imagery of our planet.

Flight Operations is a fast-paced growing organization responsible for operating and launching our fleet of Swiftys throughout the U.S. to meet our customer imaging and data needs.

What You Will Do

You will be part of a three person Pod (team) responsible for launching image capturing stratospheric systems around the USA.  The Associate Operator Stratospheric Systems plays a critical role in executing and scaling our flight operational footprint.  The incumbent will operate, maintain, and fly our fleet of Swiftys throughout the nation. The incumbent will collaborate and communicate within the Pod. The Associate Operator Stratospheric Systems will troubleshoot and provide maintenance on the technical hardware. The incumbent will perform work outdoors including hiking, walking and general physical duties throughout an extended workday. 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Lead Operator Stratospheric Systems,  and other Operators, occasional contractors, and Mission Control, to ensure Swiftys are launched, maintained, and recovered effectively, contributing to the overall success of the mission operations.
• Support the maintain and operate our fleet of Swiftys ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality data to the Company’s customers, driving the success of our overall operations.
• Provide information and feedback in the generation of failure reports for malfunctions and abnormalities in the Swifty and associated equipment through our data tracking tool.
• Contribute to the daily technical reports of work performed.
• Strictly follow Near Space Labs operational, safety and manufacturing procedures and processes.
• Work under the direction of the Lead Operator Stratospheric Systems or Operators to ensure successful mission execution.
• Participate in daily debriefs to summarize and plan field operations.
• Contribute to improvements feedback to Near Space Labs operational procedures and processes.
• Contribute to the Swifty and operations metrics for the field through technical reports.

• Safely drive and maintain our fleet of road launch vehicles.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude, and teamwork. 
• Demonstrates a high level of work quality, attendance, and appearance. 
• Adhere to all Company policies, procedures, and safety regulations. 
• Adhere to local, state, and federal laws. 
• Additional responsibilities assigned by supervisor related to your position and or department. 
• Ability to work long varied hours, nights, days, and weekends to support business needs. 

Working Schedule:

• Work a 15 days ON/13 day OFF schedule including most holidays; 25 – 25 work weeks per calendar year.
• Travel to field Sunday AM, working Monday – Sunday am, Travel home Sunday PM.
• Average 70+ hour workweek; ability to support working days of 12+ hours; and Overtime eligible based on state and federal regulations as applicable.
• Support adherence to a rigid launch schedule to support flight campaigns including, but not limited to, overtime when needed.

Experience and Competency Requirements

• Some experience of working with technical hardware.  High School diploma or GED is sufficient.
• Some experience troubleshooting equipment to determine what equipment and/or components require action to repair/replace or improve.
• Technical experience in working with equipment and doing line item replacements.
• Experience in field or hardware troubleshooting and repairing hardware.
• Oral and written communication skills to convey information at various stages of the execution, troubleshooting, or analysis process which may be ambiguous.
• Critical thinking to quickly act on issues that arise in the field and find creative solutions.
• Must be detailed, organized, and punctual.
• Ability to operate and adapt to demanding fast-paced situations.
• Ability to safely operate and maneuver a heavy-duty truck with a 20 ft. trailer attached.
• Proficiency in land navigation, particularly in remote or challenging environments, to support field operations.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
• UAS Part 107 Certification is desirable or knowledge of balloon operations.

Physical Activities and Demands

Physical Job Function Requirements: This role requires frequent physical activity, including lifting, carrying, and walking. You should be prepared to work in various outdoor environments, often for extended periods. Detailed requirements are listed below.

• Hike/walk between 0-5 miles with ~20 lbs. of equipment per day - Constantly
• Hike/walk between 5-12 miles with ~20 lbs. of equipment per day - Infrequently
• Lift up to 40 lbs. from 30 min to 5 hours per day - Frequently
• Lift between 40-60 lbs. up to 30 min per day - Frequently
• Carry up to 30 lbs. from 30 min to 5 hours per day - Frequently
• Carry between 30-60 lbs. up to 30 min per day - Frequently
• Push or pull between 130-150 lbs. via a hand truck up to 30 min per day - Constantly
• Push or pull up to 50 lbs. - Infrequently
• Stand (at a time and total in shift) - Constantly
• Walk (at a time and total in shift) - Constantly
• Climb ladder - Infrequently
• Climb tree - Occasionally
• Crouch or Kneel - Occasionally
• Crawl - Infrequently
• Stoop - Occasionally
• Reach overhead - Occasionally
• Reach below waist level - Frequently
• Reach at desk/waist level - Frequently
• Simple grasp - Constantly
• Firm grasp - Frequently
• Fine manipulation - Frequently
• Sitting for extended periods (to drive or perform work) 0-10 hours per day - Constantly; and
• Driving a heavy-duty truck between 0-8 hours per day - Constantly 

Work Environment

In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment. 

• The majority of work is performed outdoors and is subject to varying local conditions, including fluctuations in temperature, humidity, lighting, and air quality. Employees should be prepared to work in diverse weather conditions. Portions of the work may be conducted in a temperature-controlled vehicle and may include accommodations for overnight stays, as needed for job-related travel.
• Noise levels are considered moderate.