Project Manager for Software and AI Application development
Location: Darmstadt , Germany Application deadline: 30 September 2026 Reference number: 0561
Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come?
Starion is currently recruiting a Project Manager for Software & AI Application Development to join our Ground Segment Software Development team in Darmstadt, Germany.
In this role, you will work within a multidisciplinary environment, supporting the design and implementation of advanced ground segment data analysis and planning optimisation systems. Leveraging AI technologies and cloud-based solutions, you will contribute to innovative development activities for the European Space Agency (ESA).
With a track record spanning more than 80 missions and development programmes, Starion is a trusted partner to international and national space agencies, commercial satellite operators, system integrators, satellite manufacturers, and other key players across the space sector. We are recognised for delivering high quality engineering services, system solutions, and products that support every phase of the space mission lifecycle.
Tasks and activities
- Taking full or partial responsibility for the successful definition, planning, execution and delivery of projects, including supporting senior Project Managers where required.
- Driving and overseeing system design activities, ensuring robust and innovative solutions are delivered.
- Influencing and supporting key architectural and technical decisions.
- Building strong relationships with customers and technical representatives, ensuring reviews are conducted efficiently and meet expectations.
- Working closely with Technical Leads to coordinate and motivate software development teams towards successful project outcomes.
- Proactively identifying, assessing and managing project risks, implementing effective mitigation strategies.
- Providing strong leadership and direction to project teams, ensuring performance remains aligned with project objectives.
- Developing and maintaining realistic project and quality plans, delivering accurate and insightful reporting to stakeholders.
- Facilitating clear communication and coordination across project activities, ensuring priorities are understood and effectively managed.
- Managing project resources, budgets and costs to ensure deliverables are achieved on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
- Contributing valuable technical expertise, knowledge and experience to support successful project delivery.
- Fostering long-term customer relationships and support Business Development activities to identify and secure new opportunities.
- Supporting the preparation of compelling proposals for future projects.
Skills and experience
The following skills and experience are mandatory:
- University degree in Software Engineering or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years experience in software engineering, ideally including the development of AI-driven applications.
- Strong understanding of modern AI technology stacks and associated development frameworks.
- At least 2 years’ experience leading software development activities within a multidisciplinary team environment, including:
- Driving technical discussions and fostering a solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Delivering high quality presentations and confidently communicating complex concepts to a variety of audiences.
- Effectively planning and managing multiple workstreams and priorities simultaneously.
- Facilitating collaboration across teams and making timely, informed technical decisions.
- Supervising solution enhancements and modifications in line with project requirements and constraints.
- Solid knowledge of software development processes, methodologies and best practices.
- Good understanding of state-of-the-art Information Technology, including public and private cloud environments.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:
- Knowledge of software modelling languages and tools.
- Experience with Dev(Sec)Ops practices.
- Understanding of object-oriented and service-oriented design.
- Knowledge of UML.
- Familiarity with Agile methodologies.
- Experience with Java development.
- Knowledge of cloud-based architectures.
- Space sector experience, particularly in Ground Segment systems and ECSS standards.
Why should you apply?
- You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
- We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
- To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
- Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer,committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.