Operational Excellence Manager

ICEYE is a Finnish space technology company that owns and operates the world's largest commercial synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation. The company delivers continuous, all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation capabilities, enabling persistent monitoring and rapid detection of changes at any location on the planet. Its core offerings span SAR data products, mission systems for sovereign governments, defense and intelligence solutions, and natural catastrophe monitoring for the insurance, banking, and public sectors. ICEYE plays a significant role in climate resilience and disaster response by providing near real-time, observed data on natural catastrophes such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. Unlike traditional modelling approaches, ICEYE delivers actual satellite-derived flood extents and depths, empowering governments, insurers, and utilities to respond faster and more accurately to climate-driven disasters. This capability supports community resilience, more precise insurance claims processing, and informed policy decisions in the face of increasing climate risk. What distinguishes ICEYE is its combination of the largest SAR constellation globally, sub-meter (25 cm) resolution imagery, and an end-to-end operational intelligence infrastructure that includes deployable ground units capable of compressing collection-to-dissemination timelines to minutes. Founded with a mission to make Earth observation data continuously available and actionable, ICEYE serves defense, intelligence, government, and commercial clients worldwide, positioning itself as a critical enabler of both national security and climate adaptation efforts.

Role highlights:

• Operational Excellence Manager

• Location: Espoo (Onsite)

• Department: Global Manufacturing Organization

• Reports to: Director, Operational Excellence

• Employment type: Permanent

• Workplace model: Office

• Employment is subject to applicable security screening (including SUPO, where required)

Why this role matters:

As an Operational Excellence Manager, you’ll play a key role in strengthening how ICEYE builds and scales its satellite production capabilities globally. You will work hands-on with manufacturing teams to improve processes, embed Lean practices, and drive measurable gains in quality and efficiency. You will act as a Lean subject matter expert and help our organisation to take the next steps in our Lean journey.

This is a mid-level role suited for someone eager to grow, take ownership, and build expertise in operational excellence within a high-impact space technology environment. Your work will directly contribute to reliable, scalable production that enables ICEYE to deliver mission-critical Earth Observation capabilities globally.

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 world's 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

• Develop and ensure implementation of our production framework globally at Iceye production sites.

• Support process owners in developing and improving manufacturing processes and ways of working.

• Act as Lean Subject Matter Expert and drive Lean initiatives, contributing to embedding continuous improvement practices at sites.

• Participate in and lead selected improvement projects with clear, measurable outcomes.

• Help define and track KPIs that improve efficiency, quality, and process maturity.

What we’re looking for

Must haves:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in a relevant field with 5+ years of experience in operational excellence, Lean, or quality

• Hands-on experience applying Lean methodologies in manufacturing or operational environments

• Experience contributing to improvement initiatives or projects with tangible results

• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with different stakeholders

• Experience facilitating workshops or supporting teams in continuous improvement practices

Nice to haves:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent Lean training

• Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, or similar standards

Application Process:

• Application review by Hiring Manager

• Recruiter initial interview, 30 minutes

• Hiring Manager video interview, 1 hour

• Take-home assignment or task

• Additional technical or stakeholder interview, 1 hour,

• Final onsite interviews including team, cross-functional, and leadership discussions

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 and we will do our best to help.

Apply now to start your ICEYE journey and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com.