Manager | Space Digital R&D Project Manager

We are an Engineering and Product Development Center that designs, develops, and produces new technologies, products, and services for a more sustainable society.

We work by bridging cities, industry, and universities around major programs of product and service development and industrialization, based in Portugal, in high-tech sectors such as Mobility, Aeronautics, and Space.

We’re looking for a R&D Project Manager (m/f/d) with solid software engineering skills to join our Digital team in the Space unit.

CEiiA is seeking a Space Digital R&D Project Manager to join the Space Digital area supporting the development of Earth Observation downstream applications, data platforms, and digital services in the context of national and European R&D programs.

The selected candidate will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of R&D and innovation projects, with a strong focus on competitive funding programs such as PT2030, Horizon Europe, ESA programs, and other national and international funding mechanisms.

The role combines proposal preparation, project management, stakeholder coordination, reporting, and support to product and business development activities. The objective is to ensure the successful preparation, execution, and closure of R&D projects while minimizing administrative and management overhead on technical teams.

Main responsibilities include:

• Identification and monitoring of funding opportunities (national, European, ESA, and other relevant programs)
• Preparation and writing of competitive R&D proposals, including:• Technical descriptions (in coordination with technical teams)
• Work plans, WBS, deliverables, milestones
• Budgets and resource allocation
• Partner coordination and proposal submission

• Acting as CEiiA’s primary Point of Contact for project management activities during project execution
• Organization and participation in project meetings, reviews, and workshops with partners and funding entities
• Preparation of periodic and final project reports, including technical, financial, and management reports
• Ensuring compliance with all procedures and requirements from funding authorities (e.g., Horizon Europe, PT2030, ESA)
• Monitoring project progress, risks, deliverables, and milestones
• Supporting contract preparation, consortium agreements, and project documentation
• Supporting commercial proposals and customer-facing activities when relevant
• Contributing to product and service development by ensuring alignment between R&D activities and CEiiA’s strategic roadmap
• Helping structure internal processes and best practices for R&D project management within the Space Digital area

The role requires close interaction with engineers, remote sensing and data scientists, software developers, business developers, as well as external partners across Europe and internationally.

• Degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Computer Science, Physics, Data Science, or related technical field;
• Understanding of space, Earth Observation, Software platforms, AI/ML, or digital products is highly valued;
• Ability to understand technical concepts and translate them into project plans, proposals, and reports;
• Experience in project management of R&D and innovation projects (preferably in EU-funded projects such as Horizon Europe, ESA, or national funding programs);
• Experience in technology-driven environments (e.g., space, engineering, software, data, AI, or similar fields);
• Strong proposal writing and technical writing skills;
• Strong organizational and project management skills;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously;
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary and international teams;
• Good understanding of project budgeting and resource planning;
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills;
• Proactive and autonomous working style;
• Fluency in English (mandatory);
• Knowledge of Portuguese and/or other European languages is a plus. 

Valued additional skills:

• Experience with Horizon Europe / ESA submission portals and procedures
• PMP, PRINCE2, or similar project management certification
• Experience in commercial proposal preparation
• Experience in product management or technology roadmapping
• Familiarity with the space sector or Earth Observation market

• Relaxed work environment, dynamic and multidisciplinary teams.
• We facilitate and promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle, coordinating work with personal life.
• Health insurance.
• Partnerships with gyms and others.
• Up to three additional vacation days.
• Birthday day off.