Space Systems Integration Manager

About Us:

We are a rapidly growing, US-based space startup revolutionizing satellite imaging using advanced in-orbit capabilities. Specifically, our expertise lies in leveraging in-space assets for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Non-Earth Imaging (NEI). As an international company, we navigate a unique landscape while delivering critical services to our clients. Having recently secured several significant contracts, we are expanding our team to meet the exciting demands of our growth.

To support this next phase, we’re building a high-performing, interdisciplinary team capable of pushing the boundaries of space technology. We’re looking for talented, passionate people who value collaboration, growth, and learning to join us.

HEO is a post-Series A company backed by high-profile venture funds including Airtree, Y Combinator, and In-Q-Tel. We are headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with offices in London, UK, and Washington, D.C., USA.

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The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced and highly analytical Space Systems Integration Manager to lead the strategic expansion and management of our diverse space-based data supply. This critical role will be instrumental in identifying, onboarding, and optimizing relationships with external data providers, ensuring a continuous flow of high-quality imagery that integrates seamlessly with our systems. You'll be responsible for nurturing our existing data vendor relationships, ensuring their performance and contract compliance, and proactively identifying new opportunities to enhance our data acquisition capabilities – including leveraging our bespoke imaging payloads as a means to acquire unique and valuable datasets. This is a unique opportunity to shape our external data strategy and contribute directly to our rapid expansion in the commercial space sector.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Data Ecosystem Strategy & Growth:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for expanding our space-based data ecosystem, identifying gaps and opportunities to enhance our imagery acquisition capabilities.
  • Proactively research and identify potential new external data sources and providers globally, assessing their technical capabilities, data quality, security protocols, and alignment with our strategic needs.
  • Lead the entire lifecycle of onboarding new data providers, from initial engagement and technical integration planning to contract execution and initial performance monitoring.
• External Relationship Management:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for existing space-based data providers and partners, fostering strong, collaborative relationships.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and business reviews (QBRs) to assess performance against key metrics, service level agreements, and contractual obligations.
  • Address and resolve any data provider performance issues, disputes, or technical challenges effectively and efficiently.
• Contract Management & Negotiation:
  • Manage the full lifecycle of data acquisition contracts, including negotiation of new agreements, renewals, amendments, and ensuring ongoing compliance.
  • Secure favorable terms, pricing, and service levels for all procured space-based data.
  • Ensure all data provider contracts align with internal legal, financial, and regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., ITAR, export controls).
• Data Quality Assurance & Integration:
  • Establish and monitor robust quality assurance processes for all incoming space-based data, ensuring data integrity, format compatibility, and adherence to specified standards.
  • Work closely with our engineering and operations teams to facilitate seamless technical integration of external data feeds into our proprietary systems and workflows.
  • Identify and implement process improvements for data ingestion, processing, and delivery from external sources.
• Market Intelligence & Optimization:
  • Stay abreast of the evolving commercial space data market, including new technologies, emerging providers, pricing trends, and competitive landscapes.
  • Provide strategic insights and recommendations to leadership regarding our external data procurement strategy, including opportunities for cost optimization and diversification of our data supply.
  • Understand how our bespoke imaging payloads can be utilized to generate new, strategic datasets that enhance our overall data ecosystem.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Collaborate closely with Program Managers, Engineering, Operations, Regulatory Compliance, and Business Development teams to understand data requirements and support various projects and proposals.
  • Translate technical requirements into clear data provider specifications and vice versa.

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Qualifications:

NOTE: If you don’t hit all the quals, read on to the next section. We value team fit over checking all the qual boxes.

• Experience: 5-10+ years of experience in vendor management, strategic sourcing, business development, or a similar role, with significant exposure to technology or data services.
• Space Data Domain Knowledge:
  • Demonstrated understanding of the commercial space-based imagery market, including key players, satellite types (e.g., electro-optical, SAR, hyperspectral), imagery products, and data delivery mechanisms.
  • Ability to understand how diverse data acquisition methods, including the strategic deployment of bespoke imaging payloads, contribute to a comprehensive data ecosystem.
• Contract & Negotiation Skills: Proven expertise in contract negotiation, management, and supplier relationship management.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to understand and discuss technical requirements for data delivery and integration with engineers and data scientists. Prior experience with imagery processing workflows, cloud data platforms, or GIS software is a plus.
• Quality Assurance: Experience developing and implementing quality control processes, ideally for data or imagery products.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities to evaluate provider performance, assess market trends, and identify strategic opportunities.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships with external providers and internal stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and solutions-oriented approach to resolving challenges and optimizing data supply.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple provider relationships and contracts simultaneously.
• Regulatory Awareness: General understanding of relevant regulations impacting the space industry, such as ITAR and export controls, as they pertain to international data procurement and exchange.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Remote Sensing, Geography, or a related technical field.

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Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience specifically managing provider relationships for satellite imagery or geospatial data.
• Background in a startup or fast-paced technology company.

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Total Rewards & Benefits

We understand that a competitive offer extends beyond base salary. As a rapidly growing startup, we're committed to building a highly motivated team and believe in sharing our success. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent:

• Competitive Base Salary: We offer a strong base salary commensurate with your experience and the significant impact you'll have on our growth.
• Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP): As an early-stage employee, you'll receive a meaningful grant of employee stock options. This provides you with an ownership stake in our company and the opportunity to share directly in our future success. We believe in aligning your contributions with our collective growth, offering substantial upside potential as we achieve our ambitious milestones.
• Company-sponsored 401(k): Matching contributions vested immediately.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Your well-being is a priority. We provide a robust employer-sponsored healthcare plan to ensure you and your family have access to quality medical care.
• Generous Paid Time Off: We value work-life balance and offer annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plus additional dedicated sick days.
• Paid Federal Holidays: Enjoy all federal holidays throughout the year, allowing you to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

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What We Value:

You’ll love being on our team if you are someone who:

• Thrives in an ambiguous, semi-structured and dynamic environment.
• Upholds the highest level of integrity.
• Is proactive and takes initiative.
• Isn’t afraid to pitch in where the team needs you most.
• Can be depended on to do what they say and uphold their end of the teamwork.
• Is innovative, agile and flexible.
• Fully believes if you’re not having fun doing what you do, you are in the wrong place.

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HEO USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sex stereotyping, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

As a federal contractor, we are committed to affirmative action for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to contribute to their fullest potential.

We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us.