User Experience (UX) Manager for Commercial Space Infrastructures

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Experience (UX) Manager for Commercial Space Infrastructures Company: Thales Alenia Space Location: Torino, Piedmont, Italy Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Revenue Operations / GTM Strategy (with a strong focus on customer experience and market development) Date Posted: November 14, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years estimated) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in translating customer needs and market demands into actionable requirements for complex space infrastructure projects, focusing on the commercial utilization of Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• The UX Manager will act as a crucial bridge between external customers (from sectors like pharma, biotech, and agrifood) and Thales Alenia Space's engineering and project teams, ensuring a seamless and valuable experience for clients.
• Key responsibilities include market scouting, customer engagement, facilitating payload definition and development, and gathering post-mission feedback to drive continuous improvement in the space utilization offering.
• Success in this role requires a blend of scientific understanding, technical translation capabilities, strong interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction within the unique domain of space infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "User Experience (UX) Manager," the context of commercial space infrastructure utilization suggests a role that blends traditional UX principles with Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy, business development, and technical program management. The emphasis on scouting, customer onboarding, and translating market needs into technical specifications positions this role as a strategic enabler for new revenue streams within Thales Alenia Space. The "commercial space infrastructures" aspect implies a focus on the business viability and customer adoption of space-based services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Market Intelligence & Scouting: Conduct comprehensive market analysis for assigned customer segments (e.g., pharma, biotech, chemical, agrifood), identifying trends, potential users, and demand signals for space utilization.
• Customer Engagement & Onboarding: Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and existing customers, educating them on the benefits of space experimentation and micro-gravity environments, and guiding them through the onboarding process.
• Payload Definition & Technical Translation: Translate customer scientific objectives and desired outcomes into clear, quantifiable technical requirements for payloads and experiments, ensuring compatibility with Thales Alenia Space's infrastructure.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the technical interface between customer teams and Thales Alenia Space engineering, R&D, and project management departments throughout the payload development, certification, flight, and operations phases.
• Contractual Support: Collaborate with Project and Contracts departments to support the establishment of utilization contracts, ensuring alignment between customer expectations and contractual obligations.
• Post-Mission Feedback & Follow-up: Systematically gather, analyze, and report customer feedback post-mission, identifying opportunities for future engagement and service enhancements.
• UX Performance Monitoring: Ideate, implement, and report on UX performance metrics (KPIs) to measure customer engagement effectiveness and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Industry Best Practices: Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in both the assigned customer domains and the space infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize the "customer journey" from initial contact through post-mission analysis. This aligns with a GTM or commercial operations focus, where understanding and optimizing the customer experience is paramount to securing and growing business. The translation of scientific needs into engineering requirements is a core function of bridging business objectives with technical execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline pertinent to the assigned segment (e.g., Pharmaceutics, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Material Sciences, Agritech) is preferred.
• Alternatively, a degree in Aerospace Engineering is acceptable.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience (typically 1+ years) in bridging scientific and technical/engineering communities.
• Proven experience (typically 1+ years) with ISS utilization or similar space experimentation programs is preferred.
• Familiarity with the space field, including existing and future projects for in-space experimentation and utilization.
• Understanding of the unique challenges related to designing for zero-gravity or low-gravity environments.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional User-Orientation: Empathy for users, passion for creating exceptional customer experiences, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Technical Translation: Ability to translate scientific objectives and performance needs into engineering requirements and vice-versa.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including engineers, scientists, astronauts, and business stakeholders.
• Communication & Presentation: Top-notch verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Market Awareness: Ability to maintain an up-to-date overview of market size, trends, and emerging technologies within assigned segments.
• Data Analysis: Solid understanding of data analysis, R&D processes, and the ability to define and track UX performance metrics.
• Proficiency: Excellent command of the English language and proficiency with MS Office products.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience with or knowledge of UX design principles and methodologies.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies.
• Understanding of the regulatory framework affecting R&D in specific segments (e.g., pharmaceutical, biotech).
• Experience with project management or contract negotiation support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "bridging across scientific and technical / engineering communities" and "advocating for user-centered design principles" points to a role that requires strong analytical and communication skills, common in operations and GTM roles that interface between product development and market. The "individual contributor" status with significant "transversal management competencies" highlights the need for strong influence and collaboration skills without direct authority.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Journey Mapping: Examples of documented user or customer journeys for complex technical services or products, illustrating the end-to-end experience from initial inquiry to post-delivery.
• Technical Specification Translation: Case studies or examples demonstrating the ability to translate non-technical user needs or scientific objectives into detailed technical requirements, specifications, or statements of work.
• Cross-Functional Project Examples: Evidence of successful collaboration on projects involving diverse teams (e.g., R&D, engineering, sales, legal), showcasing an ability to align different stakeholders towards a common goal.
• Metrics & Reporting: Demonstrated experience in defining, tracking, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to customer satisfaction, engagement, or service effectiveness.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document and optimize workflows related to customer onboarding, technical consultation, and feedback collection processes.
• Requirements Management: Experience in establishing and managing processes for capturing, analyzing, and prioritizing customer requirements within a technical development lifecycle.
• Performance Analysis: Processes for analyzing post-mission feedback and performance data to identify areas for improvement in infrastructure capabilities or customer support.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a traditional "operations" portfolio might focus on CRM optimization or pipeline management, for this role, the portfolio should showcase the ability to manage complex customer engagements in a technical, R&D-intensive environment. This includes demonstrating how customer needs are translated into tangible technical outcomes and how customer satisfaction is measured and improved.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on typical mid-senior level roles in the aerospace and technology sectors in Torino, Italy, with responsibilities involving client-facing technical translation and market development, a competitive salary range would likely fall between €55,000 - €85,000 annually. This estimate considers the required STEM degree, specialized knowledge of space utilization, and the blend of technical and customer-facing responsibilities.
• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing salary benchmarks for similar roles (e.g., Technical Program Manager, Application Engineer, Business Development Manager in specialized tech sectors) in the Torino region, factoring in the experience level implied by the "1+ years" preferred experience and the complexity of the industry. Data from reputable sources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and local Italian employment market reports for the aerospace and technology sectors were consulted.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, potentially including specialized plans for employees and their families.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a pension fund or similar long-term savings scheme, common in European employment structures.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, public holidays, and sick leave policies.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.
• Mobility Policy: Access to Thales Alenia Space's internal mobility programs, enabling career development across different roles and international locations.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 37-40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on project demands and operational needs. The role requires significant collaboration, implying a need for presence during core business hours in Torino.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a role requiring a STEM degree, specialized technical knowledge, and client-facing responsibilities in a high-tech sector in Italy. Benefits are typical for a large, international corporation like Thales.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Space Technology, Telecommunications, Earth Observation. Thales Alenia Space operates at the forefront of space innovation, contributing to critical infrastructure for communication, security, and scientific advancement. Company Size: Approximately 8,900 employees globally across 10 countries and 17 sites in Europe plus a US plant. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources and a global reach. Founded: Thales Alenia Space has over 40 years of history, established as a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), bringing together extensive expertise and legacy in the space sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX Manager will be part of a team focused on the commercial utilization of space infrastructures, likely working within a broader business development, product management, or GTM strategy unit.
• The role involves reporting to a senior manager responsible for commercial space utilization or customer engagement, with direct interaction and collaboration with engineering, project management, legal, and sales teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is central, requiring close partnerships with technical experts, R&D scientists, payload developers, and external customers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using market data, customer feedback, and performance metrics to inform strategies and product development.
• Customer-Centric Approach: A core philosophy of understanding and prioritizing customer needs to ensure successful utilization of space infrastructure.
• Innovation & Experimentation: A culture that encourages exploring new applications and technologies for space, fostering R&D and scientific advancement.
• Rigorous Technical Standards: Adherence to high engineering and safety standards inherent in the aerospace industry.

Company Website: https://www.thalesalenia.space/

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales Alenia Space's positioning as a leader in space technology suggests a culture that values expertise, innovation, and rigorous execution. The joint venture structure implies a blend of strategic oversight from two major defense and aerospace players. The focus on "Space For Life" indicates a commitment to sustainability and positive impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior individual contributor level, requiring specialized knowledge and the ability to influence without direct authority. It bridges technical expertise with commercial strategy and customer relationship management. Reporting Structure: The UX Manager will likely report to a Director or Head of Commercial Space Utilization, or a similar senior role within Business Development or GTM. They will collaborate closely with Project Managers, Lead Engineers, and Sales representatives. Operations Impact: The UX Manager's role is critical for driving revenue growth by enabling new customers to successfully utilize space infrastructure. By ensuring a positive and effective customer experience, they directly contribute to repeat business, customer loyalty, and the expansion of the commercial space utilization market for Thales Alenia Space. Their work validates the business model and technical capabilities of the company's space assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific customer segments (e.g., pharmaceuticals in space) or in advanced aspects of space utilization technology and operations.
• Leadership Track: Transition into roles managing larger customer portfolios, leading dedicated UX teams, or moving into senior product management or business development positions within the space sector.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles focused on program management, sales engineering, or strategic partnerships within Thales Alenia Space or the broader Thales group.
• Industry Influence: Potential to become a recognized expert in commercial space utilization, representing the company at conferences and contributing to industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from this role is strong, leveraging the unique and growing field of commercial space utilization. It offers a blend of technical understanding and business acumen, which are highly transferable and valuable in the evolving aerospace and technology industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Torino, Italy, at a Thales Alenia Space facility. This implies a professional office environment with access to on-site amenities and infrastructure. Office Location(s): Torino, Piedmont, Italy. This location is a significant hub for aerospace and engineering in Italy. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with engineers, scientists, project managers, and potentially visiting customers.
• Access to relevant technical documentation, simulation tools, and communication platforms will be essential for managing the user experience and facilitating technical discussions.
• Opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-departmental workshops will be integral to the role. Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the understanding that project deadlines and customer needs may occasionally require flexibility. Core working hours in Torino will facilitate effective collaboration with local and international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the highly technical and collaborative nature of the space industry, the work environment is expected to be dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and focused on problem-solving and innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes by HR and potentially the hiring manager to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's core requirements.
• Technical & Behavioral Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on technical understanding of space utilization, customer engagement strategies, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative competencies. Expect questions related to your experience bridging scientific and engineering domains.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present specific examples of their work, demonstrating their ability to translate needs, manage customer journeys, and achieve results. This is a critical stage for showcasing practical application of skills.
• Case Study/Challenge: A potential exercise or case study designed to assess how candidates would approach a specific customer scenario or technical translation problem relevant to space infrastructure utilization.
• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Translation: Highlight examples where you successfully translated complex requirements (scientific, user, or business) into actionable technical specifications or project plans.
• Showcase Customer Journey Management: Present case studies detailing how you managed customer relationships, addressed their needs, and ensured a positive experience, especially in technical or R&D contexts.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your efforts, such as improvements in customer satisfaction, efficiency gains, or successful project delivery.
• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively collaborated with diverse teams (engineers, scientists, sales) to achieve project goals.
• Tailor to Space: While general principles apply, try to frame your experience and portfolio pieces in a way that resonates with the unique challenges and opportunities of the space industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario Analysis: Prepare to analyze hypothetical customer scenarios involving payload definition or infrastructure utilization challenges.
• Requirement Prioritization: Practice identifying critical requirements and prioritizing them in a resource-constrained or technically complex environment.
• Stakeholder Communication: Be ready to articulate your proposed solutions clearly, addressing the concerns and objectives of various stakeholders (customer, engineering, management).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential case studies indicates that Thales Alenia Space values practical experience and the ability to demonstrate problem-solving skills in a tangible way, especially for this client-facing technical role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MS Office Suite: Essential for documentation, presentations, and data analysis (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics 365): Likely used for managing customer databases, tracking leads, and monitoring customer engagement.
• Project Management Software (e.g., Jira, Asana, MS Project): For planning, tracking, and managing payload development cycles and cross-functional projects.
• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): For day-to-day communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools (e.g., Excel with advanced functions, potentially basic SQL or Python for data manipulation): To analyze market trends, customer feedback, and performance metrics.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): Potentially used for creating dashboards to visualize UX performance KPIs and market insights.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM for Customer Data Management: Centralizing customer information, communication history, and engagement status.
• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, some level of workflow automation might be used for customer onboarding or feedback collection processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes standard business productivity tools and potentially CRM/project management systems. The core requirement is the ability to leverage these tools to manage customer interactions, translate technical information, and analyze performance data, rather than deep technical expertise in highly specialized software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A paramount focus on understanding and meeting customer needs, ensuring their success and satisfaction with space infrastructure utilization.
• Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to pushing the boundaries of space technology and delivering high-quality, innovative solutions.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support across diverse teams and disciplines.
• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding high ethical standards and demonstrating accountability in all aspects of work, especially given the critical nature of space missions.
• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly learn, adapt, and enhance processes, products, and customer experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is designed to foster seamless integration between customer-facing activities and internal engineering/project teams.
• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, transparent information sharing, and timely updates among all stakeholders.
• Feedback Culture: Valuing constructive feedback from both customers and internal teams to drive improvements.
• Mentorship & Support: The UX Manager is expected to mentor less experienced users/customers and represent their voice effectively within TAS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be built around technical excellence, customer focus, and collaborative innovation, which are essential for a company operating in the complex and high-stakes aerospace sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Diverse Domains: Effectively translating highly technical space infrastructure capabilities into understandable benefits for non-space industry customers, and vice-versa, translating complex scientific needs into engineering requirements.
• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Managing expectations and aligning interests among diverse groups, including customers with varying technical backgrounds, internal engineering teams, and management.
• Pioneering New Markets: Operating in a relatively nascent commercial space utilization market, requiring proactive market development and customer education.
• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with rapid advancements in both space technology and the specific R&D fields of customer segments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge in specific commercial application areas for space (e.g., advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology in microgravity).
• Space Systems & Operations: Developing a comprehensive understanding of space infrastructure design, launch, and in-orbit operations.
• Customer Relationship Management: Enhancing skills in client acquisition, technical consulting, and long-term partnership building.
• Industry Exposure: Participating in key space industry events, R&D conferences, and customer forums to expand professional networks and knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers exposure to cutting-edge technology and emerging markets, providing significant opportunities for professional growth and specialization within the high-demand field of commercial space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information for a non-technical audience. How did you ensure understanding and buy-in?" (Focus on your communication and translation process)
• "How would you approach identifying and engaging potential customers for a new space-based R&D service in the pharmaceutical sector?" (Showcase your scouting and market development approach)
• "Imagine a customer has a specific scientific objective for a microgravity experiment, but it presents significant technical challenges for our existing infrastructure. How would you manage this situation?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, negotiation, and technical feasibility assessment)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the commercial utilization of Low Earth Orbit, and how do you see your role contributing to its growth?" (Align your passion with the company's mission)
• "How do you typically collaborate with engineering teams when advocating for customer needs or user experience improvements?" (Highlight your cross-functional collaboration style)
• "Describe your understanding of Thales Alenia Space's current offerings in commercial space infrastructure and where you see opportunities for UX to add value." (Show your research and strategic thinking)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio example, clearly outline the problem, your approach (emphasizing translation and collaboration), the solution implemented, and the measurable outcome or impact.
• Quantify Where Possible: Use metrics to support your claims about customer satisfaction, project success, or efficiency improvements.
• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved results, detailing your methodologies for understanding needs, translating requirements, and managing stakeholder expectations.
• Tailor to Space: Frame your experience using language and examples relevant to technical development, R&D, and complex project management, even if your past roles were in different industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a unique blend of technical acumen, commercial understanding, and excellent interpersonal skills, specifically tailored to the innovative and customer-centric demands of the commercial space sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Experience (UX) Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Thales careers portal via the provided link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in customer engagement, technical translation, cross-functional collaboration, and any relevant STEM or space industry knowledge. Use keywords from the job description such as "User Experience," "Space Infrastructures," "Payload Definition," and "Customer Engagement."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples that best showcase your ability to manage customer journeys, translate technical requirements, and drive positive outcomes in complex projects. Be ready to discuss your process and results.
• Research Thales Alenia Space: Understand their mission, key projects (especially in LEO utilization), and their commitment to "Space For Life." Familiarize yourself with the target customer segments (pharma, biotech, etc.).
• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to behavioral and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating empathy, problem-solving skills, and your ability to bridge scientific and engineering worlds.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.