IT Strategy Lead (m/w/d)

About Us

We are pioneering the future of satellite intelligence and defense. Backed by Rheinmetall’s proven defense expertise and ICEYE’s radar satellite innovation, our joint venture has the ambition of delivering one of the world's largest earth observation satellite constellations to defend Germany.

Our mission? Empower Europe’s security and defense with sovereign, persistent, and accurate space-based intelligence under any condition.

Join us to shape one of Europe’s most significant high-tech projects and make a real impact on defense and security for tomorrow.

The Mission of the IT & Information Security Lead

Build and secure RISS’s entire IT environment to meet defense-grade operational needs.

You will build our IT organization from the ground up — designing and running a robust, scalable, and secure IT environment that supports engineering, production, and mission operations.

You will think strategically while staying hands-on: setting long-term IT architecture and security direction while also solving immediate operational needs.

This role spans the full IT lifecycle, from infrastructure setup and user management to information-security strategy and certification readiness.

Outcomes:

• Build a secure, scalable IT environment to operational readiness within 12 months, in close collaboration with our Rheinmetall and ICEYE corporate IT partners to ensure alignment with defense-grade cybersecurity and architecture standards
• Establish and implement information-security policies and controls aligned with ISO 27001 and BSI IT-Grundschutz, achieving full certification readiness within agreed timelines
• Deploy and operate core IT services - network, endpoints, identity, access management, cloud - delivering >99% availability and maintaining full auditability
• Set up scalable onboarding, IT support, and user-management processes, enabling smooth company growth from ~10 to 100+ employees
• Implement compliant vendor, licensing, and procurement frameworks, ensuring cost-effective, secure, and auditable IT operations

• Proven experience owning end-to-end IT architecture supporting engineering, production, and mission operations in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to build secure IT environments from zero to scale in high-assurance or regulated contexts
• Deep understanding of information-security frameworks, particularly ISO 27001 and BSI IT-Grundschutz
• Hands-on expertise with enterprise IT services, including networks (on-prem, cloud, hybrid), endpoint management, Identity & Access Management (IAM, RBAC, MFA), and secure cloud platforms
• Experience establishing compliant vendor selection, licensing, and procurement frameworks
• Ability to operate as both a strategic leader and hands-on practitioner
• Strong collaboration skills with external IT partners and internal cross-functional teams and an understanding of defense, aerospace, or other mission-critical operational requirements

• The opportunity to help shape a national sovereign space capability.
• A role that directly impacts Europe's security and defense architecture.
• Competitive compensation with strong development and learning opportunities.
• A supportive, diverse, and mission-oriented environment.
• Company health benefits, accident insurance, and an annual professional development budget.
• Relocation assistance and access to training, conferences, and certification programs.
• Modern offices with areas for collaboration and focused work.

Apply now and start your journey with RISS!

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At RISS, we believe that diversity fosters innovation and strengthens us as an organization. We create a work environment where different perspectives and talents are not only welcome but valued.

Contact Person: Lauren Pabst