AI Program Manager

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Are you an Artificial Intelligence professional with a passion for innovation?
Do you excel at transferring knowledge, mentoring teams and scouting cutting-edge AI applications? Would you like to apply your AI expertise to Space, one of the fastest growing and most strategic industries in Europe?
We are looking for a highly skilled AI Program Manager to join our Strategy&Innovation team!
ABOUT US
ESYEN is an engineering company providing advanced services to the Space Industry, working with major international customers and agencies such as EUSPA and ESA.
Since 2012, we have played an active role in all the main European Space Programmes, including Earth Observation, Navigation, Space Situational Awareness and Secure Satcom.
Our team has a solid track record in delivering Ground Segment services across major EU Space Programmes. ESYEN operates in Italy, Germany, France and Spain, with a strong commitment to innovation and service quality.
The position is based at the ESYEN offices in Avezzano (AQ) and Rome, Italy.
Partial remote working may be possible depending on objectives and project requirements.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, AI or a related technical discipline

Technical Skills

Proven expertise in AI/ML development and deployment (any sector)
Knowledge of Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures and Generative AI techniques
Motivation to apply AI to the space domain (satellite operations, ground segments, space data)
Experience in designing and delivering training programmes on AI technologies to technical and non-technical teams
Ability to scout and assess AI-driven market opportunities
Familiarity with data governance, ethics and security in AI
Understanding of cloud platforms, APIs and AI integration within complex systems

Professional Experience & Soft Skills

Proven experience in AI-related roles (consulting, R&D, product, any industry)
Strong analytical abilities and business acumen
Excellent communication skills, able to translate complex concepts into actionable plans
Strong project management skills, preferably with experience in Agile, Scrum, or other methodologies.
Ability to work autonomously while also contributing as a team leader/mentor
Fluent in English (spoken and written); other EU languages are a plus
Eligibility to work in the EU and obtain security clearance if required
Ability to work effectively in multicultural, fast-paced, remote, or distributed teams.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

Proven experience leading complex AI projects in aerospace, defense, or related high-tech sectors.
Understanding of aerospace data sources (e.g., telemetry, sensor data, imaging) and data handling techniques.
Certifications such as PMP, Scrum Master, or industry-specific safety certifications are advantageous.
Experience working with international teams and navigating regulatory landscapes.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
As an AI Program Manager at ESYEN, you will serve as the technical leader of our AI team and a key driver of innovation. Your responsibilities include training AI specialists, defining the AI roadmap, establishing standards for satellite systems and ground segments, and identifying high-impact AI applications for space infrastructure and services.
You will conduct competitive analyses of AI solutions in the space industry to inform strategic decisions and support the development of innovative business cases. Additionally, you'll oversee active contracts to ensure the successful delivery of AI products and foster a culture of AI excellence within the company.
Collaborating closely with Business Development, you'll evaluate tenders involving AI and explore new opportunities. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer, you'll regularly engage with the CCO and COO to align AI initiatives with overall corporate strategy, positioning ESYEN as a leader in space industry innovation.

Designing and delivering training programmes to upskill internal teams on AI technologies and methodologies.
Introducing and embedding AI-driven tools…