Program Director - UAE

Job Description:

Role highlights:

• Program Director UAE
• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Department: Missions
• Reports to: VP, Missions Programme Management
• Employment type: Permanent
• Workplace model: Hybrid
• Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)

Why this role matters:

Deliver complex Satellite Mission programs end-to-end, ensuring customer success, on-time execution, and scalable delivery excellence.

You will ensure the full lifecycle of customer missions—from contract execution through delivery—acting as the central orchestrator across engineering, product, operations, and commercial teams. Your role is to ensure programs deliver against commitments while building strong, trusted customer relationships.

This role directly contributes to ICEYE’s ambition to become the leading provider of space-based ISR infrastructure by scaling reliable, high-impact mission delivery globally.

The role will be based in the UAE at the ICEYE facility. Travel to Espoo (Finland) and customer sites is required.

Who We Are

ICEYE is the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space. We deliver persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth.

ICEYE owns the worlds largest and most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation. To our customers we provide intelligence with unmatched quality, latency and revisit times, in any weather, day or night. To governments who choose to operate their own constellation we provide this proven capability as a sovereign system.

ICEYE-built constellations serve customers in defence and intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance and emergency management. We enable fast decisions that contribute to a safer future.

Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1000 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

Your day-to-day responsibilities

• Satellite Mission programs are delivered predictably on schedule, within budget, and meeting or exceeding agreed performance and quality targets
• Customers experience consistent, high-trust partnerships, reflected in strong satisfaction, repeat business, and seamless program execution
• Program plans provide clear alignment across stakeholders, enabling efficient use of resources, financial control, and on-time milestone achievement
• Risks, dependencies, and escalations are proactively mitigated, minimizing disruption and ensuring continuous, reliable delivery
• Cross-functional teams operate in a coordinated, outcome-driven manner, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating mission execution
• Program management practices drive measurable improvements in delivery efficiency, scalability, and predictability across Missions
• Stakeholders at all levels have timely, accurate visibility into program status, enabling informed decision-making and early intervention where needed

What we’re looking for

Must haves:

• 5–10 years’ experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder programs in advanced technology environments (e.g. space, defence, telecom, automotive, IT)
• Strong customer-facing capability, including managing senior stakeholders and complex requirements
• Proven leadership of cross-functional teams to deliver aligned outcomes
• Expertise in end-to-end program management (planning, execution, governance across scope, schedule, budget, and risk)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in uncertain environments
• Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Degree in business, engineering, or a related field
• Must have or be able to get UAE residence

Nice to haves:

• Experience in Earth Observation (EO), SAR, or remote sensing
• Background in complex systems or product development environments
• Experience working with government or defence customers
• Knowledge of hardware, software, or embedded systems development
• Advanced degree (Master’s) or relevant certifications (e.g. PMP, PgMP)

Application Process

• Initial interview with Talent Attraction
• Hiring Manager interview with VP Missions Program
• Case interview
• Interview with CEO UAE
• Final interview with SVP Missions
• References

Working at ICEYE

At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win.

How We Work (Our Values)

Make the impossible possible : We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way.

• Be curious : Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the “why” behind decisions.
• See the big picture: Stay close to what’s happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others.
• Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions.
• Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift.
• Have fun : What we do matters—and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins.

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table.

We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us—we’ll do our best to help.

Requirements:

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