VP of Institutional Relations

PAVE Space SA; Villeneuve (VD); Remote; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

PAVE Space SA in Villeneuve (VD), Switzerland, is seeking a VP of Institutional Relations to lead the company’s funding strategy. You will align the R&D roadmap with European funding opportunities, build credibility with ESA and other European institutions, and secure large non-dilutive funding while coordinating with the board and leadership.

You will own relationships with ESA directorates and national space agencies, track upcoming calls, and lead proposal preparation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the space sector.
• Strong understanding of European Space Agency processes and funding mechanisms.
• Existing network within ESA or related European institutions.
• Solid technical background, with the ability to engage on R&D topics.
• Proven experience in securing large non-dilutive funding (50M+).
• Ability to operate independently in an early-stage environment.
• Background in the launcher ecosystem.
• Experience working across ESA, EU, and national funding programmes.
• Experience building or structuring an institutional strategy from scratch.
• Experience with coordinating internal stakeholders around proposal efforts.
• Exposure to both technical and commercial aspects of space programmes.

Responsibilities

• Own the institutional funding strategy and align with the R&D roadmap.
• Shape long-term funding plans (ESA, EU, national agencies).
• Build and maintain relationships with ESA directorates, national space agencies, and European stakeholders.
• Track calls for proposals and select opportunities based on strategic fit.
• Lead preparation and submission of proposals, ensuring alignment with funding objectives.
• Prepare and submit proposals, initially independently and later with a small team.
• Manage and report on the institutional pipeline to align funding milestones with company objectives.

Skills

Space sector experience

ESA processes

European institutions network

Technical R&D engagement

Non-dilutive funding success

Independent operator

Launcher ecosystem knowledge

Cross-programme funding experience

Strategy development

Stakeholder coordination

Technical and commercial exposure

Job description

Turning this vision into reality requires both engineering strength and institutional backing. PAVE Space is building the relationships needed to support its next phase of development.

As a VP of Institutional Relations, you own the company’s institutional funding strategy. Align the R&D roadmap with European funding opportunities, build credibility with institutions, and secure non-dilutive funding that supports long-term development.

You will own

Work with the board and leadership team to shape the long-term R&D roadmap and translate it into a structured funding plan (ESA, EU, national agencies)

Build and maintain relationships with ESA directorates, national space agencies, and other European stakeholders

Track upcoming calls for proposals and tenders, select relevant opportunities, based on strategic fit rather than volume

Lead the preparation and submission of proposals, ensuring consistency between technical content and funding objectives

Prepare and submit proposals, initially independently and later with a small team

Manage and report on the institutional pipeline, ensuring alignment between funding milestones and company objectives

What we are looking for

10+ years of experience in the space sector

Strong understanding of European Space Agency processes and funding mechanisms

Existing network within ESA or related European institutions

Solid technical background, with the ability to engage on R&D topics

Proven experience in securing large non-dilutive funding (50M+)

Ability to operate independently in an early-stage environment

Background in the launcher ecosystem

Experience working across ESA, EU, and national funding programmes

Experience building or structuring an institutional strategy from scratch

Experience with coordinating internal stakeholders around proposal efforts

Exposure to both technical and commercial aspects of space programmes

You will fit if

You thrive in fast-paced, high-intensity environments with ambitious timelines

You understand how ESA programmes are thought out and awarded in practice

You can connect technical milestones with funding opportunities

You are comfortable starting alone and building structure as you go

You bring both strategic thinking and hands-on execution

You look for non-obvious opportunities and know how to act on them

If you’re ready to tackle this unique and exciting challenge and participate in the development of this new orbital continent, join us at PAVE Space.

We are a fully on-site company, and all roles require daily in-person work at our office in Villeneuve (VD) - Switzerland