COO & Co-Founder — PLANARIS (Space & Defense Deep-Tech)

COO & Co-Founder — PLANARIS (Space & Defense Deep-Tech)

PLANARIS is a deep-tech aerospace company transforming the landscape of space communications. We design and manufacture next-generation, software-defined thin-film reflectarray and transmitarray antennas that serve as an "antenna skin" for small satellites. By replacing bulky traditional reflectors and power-hungry phased arrays, PLANARIS delivers high-gain, agile, and anti-jamming RF performance for commercial LEO constellations and sovereign tactical defense missions.

The Role: Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Co-Founder

You'll partner directly with the CEO, a serial entrepreneur with multiple ventures behind him, as a true operational counterpart. Together, you'll turn proprietary electromagnetic science into a globally scaled, flight-proven space manufacturing business. You will own the operational execution required to advance the platform from laboratory prototypes (TRL 4) through rigorous environmental testing (TRL 6) to formal in-orbit demonstration (TRL 7/8).

This role demands a blend of agile startup execution, deep hardware/space project management, and the structural discipline required to build an ITAR-free, defense-compliant supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Industrialization & Scaling: Transition our custom, printed PCB and thin-film composite manufacturing from low-volume prototypes to high-throughput serial production optimized for mass-manufactured LEO constellations.

TRL Timeline Execution: Oversee full project management workflows for upcoming hardware milestones, coordinating closely with deployment mechanism partners (e.g., SENER, DHV Technology) and environmental testing labs (vibration, TVAC, radiation).

Supply Chain & Regulatory Compliance: Build, protect, and optimize an agile, fully European, ITAR-free supply chain; implement rigorous QA/QC metrics matching ECSS and ISO space standards.

Strategic Partner Integration: Lead operational execution for funded co-development programs and technical interface alignment with satellite OEMs and prime contractors (e.g., Open Cosmos, Alén Space, GMV).

Resource Optimization & P&L: Manage day-to-day corporate operations, budgetary milestones, facility upscaling, and technical hiring plans to scale our engineering footprint.

Who You Are:

Founder Mindset: You've either founded something before, or you've been waiting for the right moment and technology to do it. You're not looking for a job; you're looking for a company to help build and eventually run alongside a proven entrepreneur.

Experience: 5-10+ years of operational leadership or high-level project management inside an aerospace, satellite communications, defense hardware, or deep-tech engineering company.

Space Heritage: Deep structural understanding of satellite subsystems, manufacturing workflows, and the rigorous requirements of space qualification frameworks (ECSS/ESA protocols).

Defense Acumen: Conversant in building secure, resilient dual-use structures and dealing with defense-grade supply constraints.

Startup DNA: High tolerance for ambiguity, exceptional execution speed, and the ability to roll up your sleeves to build an enterprise from the ground floor up.

Languages: Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory.

What We Offer:

Founding Executive Equity: Substantial equity stake with standard vesting terms, reflecting true ownership in what we're building together.

Industry Disruption: The opportunity to scale a uniquely positioned, heavily patented technology backed by over 300+ scientific publications.

Geopolitical Impact: A front-row seat in forging European technological sovereignty within the booming SpaceTech and dual-use defense paradigm.

Location: Hybrid/remote flexibility centered in Spain's premier aerospace hubs (Madrid).