About this Mission Operations Manager role at SE3 Labs
Join SE3 Labs as Mission Operations Manager
Run the field exercises that put SE3's autonomous systems in the hands of military units, and bring back the insight that shapes what we build next.
About SE3
SE3 Labs builds spatial intelligence and autonomy software for unmanned systems. We combine 3D computer vision, state estimation and AI to help autonomous platforms perceive their surroundings, know where they are and operate when GPS and other sensors become unreliable. Defence is a core application of our work today.
We are growing to a team of 100+ people. Join at a stage where you can shape our Mission Operations team, help build the team and grow your responsibilities as the company expands.
Our founding team's research has received more than 90,000 citations. You will work closely with technical founders and engineers with deep experience in computer vision and autonomous systems, turning that research depth into systems that work in the field.
About the Role
As Mission Operations Manager, you'll plan and run the exercises and trials that prove SE3's autonomous systems and Spatial AI in realistic conditions. You'll be the day-to-day point of contact for the operational units we work with, partnering closely with our engineering, product and commercial teams and travelling regularly across Europe. What you capture in the field becomes the evidence and requirements that move our product and programmes forward.
What You'll Work On
Exercise Planning: Plan trials and exercises within our exercise programme, from component tests through to multi-system exercises, with clear scenarios, objectives and success criteria.
Exercise Delivery: Run exercises on the ground, coordinating the people, systems and logistics involved so that each one delivers usable results.
User Liaison: Act as the day-to-day contact for operational units. Build trusted working relationships and keep a steady flow of feedback between users and SE3.
Operational Assessment: Assess how our systems perform in realistic conditions and document their operational value, limitations and integration needs in clear post-exercise reports.
Requirements Capture: Translate user feedback and field observations into structured requirements that product and engineering can prioritise and act on.
Programme Support: Supply the commercial team with operational evidence, demonstrations and field insight that help turn engagement into awarded programmes.
Team Building: Help establish the processes, templates and ways of working that let the Mission Operations team scale as SE3 grows.
Your Profile
You take ownership of outcomes and get things done without waiting for direction. You turn plans into well-run activities and hold yourself to a consistently high standard.
You bring several years of experience in military operations, trials or capability development, ideally as a serving or former officer or NCO, or in a field or trials role with a defence supplier.
You have a solid technical understanding of unmanned systems, autonomy or software-defined defence, and engage credibly with both engineers and operators.
You're highly organised and comfortable running complex activities with many moving parts, often outdoors and under time pressure.
You communicate clearly and build trust quickly with military users, partners and internal teams.
You're willing to travel regularly across Europe and into other markets where SE3 operates.
You speak native-level German and have full professional fluency in English, written and spoken. Given the nature of SE3's work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and hold the security clearance required for this role.
Especially Valued Bonus Skills
Experience planning or running military exercises, trials or experimentation campaigns involving unmanned or autonomous systems.
Hands-on experience operating drones, with EU UAS operator certificates a plus.
Experience in NATO or other multinational exercise environments.
Familiarity with defence procurement and how operational trials lead to funded programmes.
Perks & Benefits
Real Ownership: Participate in SE3's growth through our employee participation programme
Work Environment to Excel at: Find a high-quality and modern toolset, flat hierarchy and a skilled, driven team which will push the limits together with you
AI-boosted workplace: We empower every employee with best-in-class AI tools and agents, giving you unlimited access to the latest advancements and a true productivity edge
31 Paid Days Off: 30 vacation days plus your birthday off
Well-being Access: Free membership to gyms, yoga, and wellness through EGYM Wellpass
Team Offsites: We go on 2 company retreats per year, our last ones were in Italy and Greece
Mentorship: Work closely with experienced engineers and get paired with a professional mentor to support your growth
Our Process
Intro Call (30 min): Let's get to know each other.
Exercise Planning Case: We share a realistic scenario and ask you to outline how you would plan and run a trial around it.
Deep-Dive Interview (1 hr): We walk through your case, your operational background and your experience running trials and working with military users.
Team Dinner / Lunch: Meet the team and see whether it is a strong fit on both sides.
