Executive Director: Space Engineering (5 Year Performance-Based Contract)

The South African National Space Agency

2026/05/06   Pretoria

Job Ref #: EDSE-01
Industry: Engineering
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Innovation.
Job Description

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director is a member of the executive team and provides leadership in developing programmatic, organisational, and financial plans for the SANSA Space Engineering Programme in terms of (i) space missions management, (ii) space and systems engineering, (iii) programme and project management, (iv) technology and innovation management, (v) strategic products, systems, and technology acquisition, (iv) contract management, (v) industry coordination and development.

Key performance areas will include, but are not limited to:

  • Strategy Planning, Development, and Implementation.
  • Corporate Governance.
  • Financial Management.
  • Stakeholder Management.
  • Programme and Project Management.
  • Space Engineering Management.
  • Space Acquisitions & Contract Management.
  • Technology, Innovation & Industrial Management.
  • Business development
Job Requirements

 The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:

  • MSc (Engineering)/MEng in electrical, electronic, mechanical, aeronautical, or industrial.
  • An MBA will be an added advantage.
  • A formal project management qualification is required.
  • At least ten (10) years of programme management experience in advanced manufacturing industries (aerospace, defence, nuclear, electro-technical), and systems engineering experience.
  • At least ten (10) years of experience at a senior management level.
  • Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience at an executive management level.

Background verification, including criminal record, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, may form part of the selection process. By applying for these vacancies, the candidates consent to SANSA collecting, processing, and sharing their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessment, and employment purposes only.
Should you meet the above requirements, please upload your detailed CV, and apply on: Current Opportunities (mcidirecthire.com)

Disclaimer

Due to the high volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should a candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed.

SANSA subscribes to the principles of the Employment Equity Act. We use Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavour to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. As per the Employment Equity Plan of SANSA and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given to African females.

SANSA reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.

Closing Date: 19 May 2026.