Storm test bench program manager

The Exploration Company; München; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work options

Relocation assistance

Visa sponsorship where applicable

Job summary

The Exploration Company is seeking a Program Manager for the Storm engine test bench. You will drive on-time delivery, coordinate site selection, and align engineering, procurement, and operations to ensure milestones are met. Fluent English is required; German or French is a plus.

Join a team building space exploration infrastructure across European sites, with opportunities for growth and impact in a high-impact program within a fast-paced, innovative company.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or similar.
• Significant experience delivering complex test infrastructure or propulsion tests programs.
• Strong understanding of propulsion testing, cryogenic systems, and hazardous operations.
• Experience with LOX/methane engine testing or cryogenic facilities.
• Fluent in English; German or French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive on-time delivery of the Storm engine test bench development program.
• Lead the site selection process and secure a suitable test bench location.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across engineering, procurement, and operations teams.
• Provide concise reporting on status, risks, and milestone readiness to leadership.

Skills

Propulsion testing experience

Cross-functional leadership

Delivery mindset

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

Cryogenic facilities

Job description

Join us in shaping the future of space exploration.

We are seeking driven, talented individuals who share our vision of democratizing access to the cosmos.

We pride ourselves in gathering diverse and international talents from both space and non-space backgrounds.

6

Office Locations

600

+

Space Explorers

40

+

Nationalities

Our Values

We are driven by our values.

At The Exploration Company, we embrace a set of guiding principles that shape everything we do. These principles define our identity and drive our actions.

Mission

We do meaningful work for humanity, with passion and resilience.

Vision

We think far ahead, decide with facts, and innovate with purpose.

Integrity

We speak up, raise risks early, give timely feedback, and take ownership.

Teamwork

We are open-minded, fair, and put the collective success first.

We solve problems pragmatically, act decisively, and iterate quickly.

Become an explorer .

Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your career, we have opportunities for you to grow and make your mark.

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Finance Operations

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

Storm is TEC’s high-performance liquid rocket engine program, developed to support next-generation launch and space transportation applications. The Storm development strategy relies heavily on ground testing, from early development models to qualification and acceptance campaigns. The engine test bench is a critical enabler of the program, and its on-time delivery is essential to maintain the Storm development schedule.

As Storm Engine Test Bench Program Manager, you are responsible for driving the on-time delivery of the Storm engine test bench development program. You will ensure execution discipline across the bench development workstream: integrating schedules, tracking deliverables, coordinating stakeholders and suppliers, anticipating blockers, and escalating decisions to keep the program on track. In addition, you will act as the primary point of contact for identifying and securing a suitable test bench location, coordinating the site selection process with internal stakeholders and external parties.

Key responsibilities

Program planning and delivery (schedule, scope, cost tracking)

Build, maintain, and continuously improve the integrated test bench delivery plan (design maturity gates, procurement lead times, manufacturing, installation, integration, and commissioning support activities).

Own the critical path, dependencies, and milestone readiness criteria (from a delivery perspective).

Track progress, identify schedule threats early, and drive recovery plans (re-sequencing, parallelization, expediting, resourcing proposals).

Maintain program routines (weekly reviews, action tracking, decision logs) to ensure execution discipline.

Cross-functional coordination and communication

Animate weekly/monthly routines: bench program reviews, schedule reviews, and interface meetings

Ensure alignment between propulsion engineering, test engineering, facilities/infrastructure, procurement, quality, and site teams

Prepare concise reporting for program leadership: status, risks, mitigation, upcoming decisions, and milestone readiness

Coordinate preparation of key internal reviews (bench concept reviews, design/package readiness, delivery readiness checkpoints)

Test bench location identification and site selection (point of contact)

Act as the single point of contact to identify, assess, and secure a test bench location aligned with the Storm schedule and development needs.

Coordinate the site selection process (timeline, stakeholder alignment, decision gates, and documentation) and ensure decisions are taken in time to protect the critical path.

With support from the engineering team (who define requirements and technical needs), consolidate the test site needs impacting the choice of location and translate them into:

A practical location assessment checklist (capabilities, utilities, access, constraints)

A comparison of candidate sites (schedule, cost, readiness, risks)

Clear decision packages for leadership (trade-offs, recommended option, fallback plans)

Coordinate interfaces with external stakeholders as needed (site operators, landlords/partners, utilities, local service providers), in alignment with internal owners.

Procurement and supplier coordination

Support supplier selection and onboarding (RFI/RFQ process coordination, delivery tracking, expediting)

Monitor supplier performance and ensure timely resolution of delivery issues, NCR handling coordination, and logistics readiness

Ensure documentation deliverables from suppliers are collected and integrated

Integration and commissioning readiness support

Ensure prerequisites for integration/commissioning are planned and tracked: procedures availability, resources, tooling, spares, training needs and documentation readiness (owned by responsible teams)

Track open points, coordinate closure plans, and ensure readiness evidence is available for management decisions.

Support lessons-learned capture and incorporation into the next iterations of bench capability

What we would like to see from you

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or similar

Significant experience delivering complex test infrastructure or propulsion tests programs

Strong understanding of propulsion testing, cryogenic systems, and hazardous operations

Experience with LOX/methane engine testing or cryogenic facilities

Familiarity with European space programs and standards (e.g. ECSS, ESA‑style reviews)

Experience with regulated industrial sites, permitting, or environmental compliance

Background in high‑cadence test operations

Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and make sound technical and operational decisions

Strong ownership and delivery mindset

Systems‑level thinking and interface management

Fluent in English; French or German is a plus.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind

We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them

We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third‑party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

Our Offices

We are based in six international locations.

Is The Exploration Company open to hiring diverse talent?

Yes, The Exploration Company is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively seek talent from all backgrounds and strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Will I receive support with my work permit?

Yes, we assist candidates with the necessary work permit and visa processes, ensuring a smooth transition when joining our team.

Does The Exploration Company offer relocation support?

Yes, we offer relocation support to help new hires move and settle in their new location comfortably. Our team will provide guidance throughout the process.

Does The Exploration Company encourage full-time remote work?

We believe in flexibility and offer opportunities for remote work, though it may vary depending on the role and business needs. We encourage a hybrid approach where possible.

Will I be able to access internal mobility opportunities?

Absolutely. We encourage career growth and provide internal mobility opportunities, allowing employees to explore different roles and departments within the company.

Will I need to complete a background check before joining The Exploration Company?

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third‑party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

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