Lead Project Manager Dual Use In-Orbit Services

Work at The Exploration Company, which develops, produces and operates Nyx, a modular and reusable orbital vehicle designed to carry cargo and, in the longer term, humans. The role sits within the Future Projects activities, developing new orbital services and spacecraft applications for institutional, commercial and defence customers. The Dual Use In-Orbit Services Project Manager will lead the complete development and delivery of orbiters for defence and dual-use applications, from early concept and proposal phases through design, qualification, launch, commissioning and operations. Offers are contingent upon a background check conducted with third-party provider Zinc Work Limited.

Responsibilities

Lead the complete development of orbiters and associated in-orbit service capabilities for defence and dual-use missions, from mission definition and early concept studies through qualification, launch, commissioning, flight and operations; Translate customer objectives and operational needs into clear mission, system and programme requirements; Establish and maintain the project baseline, including scope, schedule, budget, resources, technical performance and quality objectives; Define the project organisation, work breakdown structure, milestones, reviews and decision gates; Drive disciplined decision-making, issue resolution and change control throughout the project lifecycle; Ensure successful delivery against commitments in terms of technical performance, schedule, cost, quality and customer satisfaction; Monitor industrialisation, procurement, manufacturing and supply-chain activities, ensuring that critical path items and long-lead equipment are actively managed; Work closely with engineering and industrial teams to ensure the timely delivery of flight and ground hardware, software, documentation and operational products; Act as the main point of contact for institutional and defence customers throughout the project lifecycle; Support and lead the preparation of proposals, responses to Invitations to Tender, Requests for Proposals and other business opportunities related to defence and dual-use in-orbit services; Coordinate and lead multidisciplinary teams across programme management, systems engineering, spacecraft engineering, operations, manufacturing, supply chain, quality and business functions

Requirements

Master's degree in aerospace engineering; Typically 10 or more years of professional experience in the aerospace or space sector, including substantial responsibility for project or programme management and technical delivery; Proven experience leading the end-to-end development of satellites, orbiters, spacecraft or complex space systems; Demonstrated delivery of flight hardware, including experience through integration and test, qualification, launch preparation and/or in-orbit operations; Established customer-facing experience, ideally including direct interaction with DLR, the German Federal Ministry of Defence or comparable institutional and defence organisations; Fluency in English and German

Nice to have

Strong oral and written communication skills; Strong analysis and problem-solving skills; Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks; Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done; Ability to communicate at all levels of the business; Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company's core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork; Space enthusiast: ready to change the global space industry

Benefits

Relocation assistance for those willing to relocate; Visa sponsorship where applicable