Operations Lead – AI-based Autonomy Hub (d/f/m)

Airbus SE; Backnang; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space GmbH is seeking an Operations Lead for the AI-based Autonomy Hub to translate strategic vision into efficient daily workflows and ensure budget discipline.

You will oversee unit finances, coordinate cross-functional support from Engineering, Product and Finance, manage procurement and onboarding, and drive smooth operational execution across Europe.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Several years of experience in operational management or financial controlling.
• Strong analytical skills with hands-on budget management and cost controlling.
• Experience leading teams and coordinating cross-functional work; German and English fluency required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee unit financials, including budget planning, cost controlling, and regular financial reporting to ensure efficient use of center resources.
• Manage employee time tracking, ensure accurate allocation of working hours to specific projects, and oversee internal and external billing processes.
• Execute day-to-day tactical core operational and administrative processes to guarantee smooth daily business operations.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Product, and Finance to support development activities.
• Manage local procurement of IT hardware, equipment, workspace facilities, and provide operational software and HR onboarding support.

Skills

Operations mgmt

Financial controlling

Team leadership

Budget management

Billing processes

German & English

Education

Advanced degree in business/finance

Job description

Operations Lead – AI-based Autonomy Hub (d/f/m)

Aug 25, 2026

Job Description:

In order to support our dynamic operational growth, Airbus Defence and Space is looking for an

Operations Lead – AI-based Autonomy Hub (d/f/m).

You are the operational and administrative backbone of our unit. As the Operations Lead, you ensure that the strategic vision is translated into efficient daily workflows and solid financial execution. You bridge the gap between high-level strategy and ground-level implementation, ensuring that our dynamic development processes run smoothly, resources are allocated efficiently, and operations stay strictly within budget.

• The unique opportunity to shape the future of autonomous systems at a world-leading aerospace company.
• An inspiring work environment that combines the innovative power of a startup with the expertise of an established technology site.
• A team of brilliant minds working together on a grand vision for Europe's technological sovereignty.
• An attractive salary, flexible working hours, and excellent professional development opportunities within the Airbus group.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Oversee unit financials, including budget planning, cost controlling, and regular financial reporting to ensure the efficient use of center resources.
• Manage employee time tracking, ensure accurate allocation of working hours to specific projects, and oversee internal and external billing processes.
• Execute day-to-day tactical core operational and administrative processes to guarantee smooth daily business operations.
• Foster close cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Product, and Finance departments to ensure seamless operational support for all development activities.
• Manage local procurement of IT hardware, specialized equipment, workspace facilities, and provide/integrate necessary operational software (e.g., time-tracking tools) and HR/onboarding support.

Desired skills and qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Several years of experience in operational management, financial controlling, or administrative process execution, ideally within a fast-paced tech or aerospace environment.
• Strong analytical skills with hands-on experience in budget management, cost controlling, project billing, and modern operational software.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of motivating and managing teams of individual contributors.
• Experience with onboarding processes, recruiting coordination, or basic HR administration; fluency in both German and English is required.

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customized development solutions.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Defence and Space GmbH

Employment Type:

Permanent

Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Leadership

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported [e-mail] .

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

Airbus Defence and Space delivers advanced space and defense solutions, driving innovation while prioritizing collaboration with customers and addressing their specific needs.