Head of Space Innovation & Tech Transfer

At the i2CAT Space Communications Unit , we don’t just research the future; we build it. We are looking for a Head of Innovation with a strategic mindset to lead the intersection between advanced research and market reality.

Your challenge will be to transform the center's technical capabilities into scalable solutions, leading technology transfer and consolidating our position as a benchmark in the NewSpace ecosystem at both national and European levels. If you want your work to directly impact the next giant leap for the aerospace industry, this is your place.

Your role:

As an innovation leader, your key functions will be:

Strategic Innovation Leadership: Coordinate the activities of the Space Communications group to align them with i2CAT’s strategic roadmap.

Drive Technology Transfer: Define pathways to bring research outcomes to the industry (licensing, co-development, and joint innovation initiatives).

Market & Viability Analysis: Assess the technical maturity (TRL) and commercial relevance of the technologies developed by our research teams.

Ecosystem Engagement: Act as a senior interface with private companies, integrators, industry associations, and space agencies (ESA, national agencies).

Proposal & Funding Coordination: Lead the innovation components of public and private funding proposals in collaboration with the commercial and research teams.

Cross-Team Alignment: Ensure seamless cohesion between research teams, business development functions, and external stakeholders.

By joining us, you can expect:

• We practice a 4-1 hybrid model (4 days remotely, 1 day at the office) to balance face‑to‑face collaboration with deep‑focus remote work. We embrace a hybrid model, but we truly encourage our team to soak up the in‑office experience . There’s a unique energy and collaboration in our new space that you simply can’t replicate through a screen.
• Enjoy core hours flexibility: as long as you’re online for our team syncs between 10:00 and 15:00, you can design the rest of your day to fit your rhythm.
• Early‑Finish Fridays: We believe in a long weekend. Every Friday throughout the year is an intensive 6.5‑hour workday , so you can kick off your personal time by mid‑afternoon.
• Intensive summer schedule: To help you enjoy the sun and balance family life during school holidays, we switch to a 7‑hour workday from June 22nd to September 4th.
• You get 27 paid vacation days per year, well above the legal minimum, giving you over five full weeks to recharge whenever you need them. You are asked to enjoy at least 12 vacation days during summer.
• We will work so that you have a career plan to promote your growth and development.

If you decide to come to the office, we are located at Pier 01 (Tech Barcelona), right in the heart of the Port of Barcelona . Our offices are designed with an open‑office concept where light and transparency take center stage. We offer a variety of workspaces so you aren't tied to the same desk all day, fostering both spontaneous collaboration and focused work.

Education: Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: Proven track record in senior innovation roles, technology transfer, or strategic project leadership.

Sector knowledge: Deep understanding of the space sector, particularly space communications and NewSpace ecosystems.

Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.

Languages: Fluency in English. Your language skills will be evaluated during the interview.

• Catalan Language Proficiency: Given our close partnership with the Government of Catalonia, we require candidates to demonstrate professional fluency in Catalan. While native status or formal certifications are not mandatory, you must be able to communicate effectively and understand the nuances of the language in a professional setting.

NICE TO HAVE:

Experience working with public administrations, policy‑driven innovation programs, or regional space strategies.

Solid knowledge of Intellectual Property (IP) management, commercialization models, and asset valorization.

Soft Skills:

A strategic and execution‑oriented mindset in fast‑evolving, high‑tech environments.

Ability to coordinate and inspire multidisciplinary teams.

Proactivity and a sharp critical spirit.