VP Programmes

SE3 Labs builds spatial intelligence and autonomy software for unmanned systems, combining 3D computer vision, state estimation and AI to help autonomous platforms perceive their surroundings, know where they are and operate when GPS and other sensors become unreliable. Defence is a core application of its work today. SE3 is growing to a team of 100+ people. As VP of Programs, you'll lead SE3's most important government programme pursuits, taking opportunities from early requirements through procurement, bid and negotiation to contract award. You'll work closely with the founders, commercial leadership and engineers in Munich, and build a small programmes team around you while staying hands-on in every pursuit.

Responsibilities

Lead the pursuit of government programmes, shaping requirements early and building the case for SE3's systems; Own bids and proposals end to end, bringing together technical, commercial and delivery input from across the company; Guide opportunities through procurement processes, commercial negotiation and contract award; Build trusted relationships with government programme offices and end users; Work with engineering and delivery teams so that commitments are realistic and programmes are set up to succeed after award; Hire and develop a small team of programme and bid managers as the pipeline grows

Requirements

You take ownership of outcomes and remove obstacles without waiting for direction; You turn discussions into clear decisions and decisions into deliverables, and hold yourself and your team to a consistently high standard; You have played a lead role in winning government programmes, with a clear personal contribution to the outcome; You know government defence customers and their procurement processes, and you have managed bids from requirement to award; You have led or mentored a team and want to build one, while still doing much of the work yourself; You work well with engineers and can turn technical capability into a credible, compelling proposal; You move quickly and take responsibility in an early-stage company, and you're based in Munich or willing to relocate; You speak fluent English; Candidates must be eligible to work on defence-related projects and, where required, obtain the relevant security clearance

Nice to have

Military experience; Experience in defence programme management or a government programme office; An established network across European defence customers; Experience with autonomous systems, UAVs or software-defined defence; German language skills

Benefits

Real ownership through SE3's employee participation programme; High-quality and modern toolset, flat hierarchy and a skilled, driven team; AI-boosted workplace with best-in-class AI tools and agents; 31 paid days off (30 vacation days plus your birthday off); Free membership to gyms, yoga, and wellness through EGYM Wellpass; Two company retreats per year; Mentorship with experienced engineers and a professional mentor