Project Manager Launch Site Development (m/f/d)

Isar Aerospace; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 159,780 - 205,432; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share in company success program

30 days vacation

20% employer pension contribution

Subsidised lunch

Deutschlandticket public transport

EGYM Wellpass sports

Learning allowance

Childcare allowance

Additional perks

Job summary

Isar Aerospace seeks a Senior Program Manager for Launch Site Development to own multi-site expansion and future site builds. You will drive planning, budgets, risk management, and governance, interfacing with engineering, operations, finance, legal, and external vendors.

Your role ensures on-time, on-budget delivery while upholding safety and regulatory standards. You will lead cross-functional coordination, develop financial models, and present updates to executives, advancing Isar Aerospace’s

Qualifications

• University degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil or related technical field.
• 5+ years managing large, complex technical programs or infrastructure projects.
• End-to-end project management including budgeting, scheduling and risk management.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and external contractors.

Responsibilities

• Own planning, execution, and delivery of launch site development programs across sites.
• Develop program plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations; monitor milestones.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to meet technical and regulatory requirements.
• Manage CAPEX/OPEX forecasting, cost tracking, and reporting for projects.
• Prepare regular updates and executive materials for leadership.
• Improve governance for project tracking and accountability.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Financial planning

Stakeholder management

Regulatory understanding

Fluency in English

German language (plus)

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Mechanical/Aerospace/Civil Eng

Tools

MS Project

Confluence

Asana

Microsoft Office

Job description

Mission Brief

As Senior Program Manager Launch Site Development, you will have end-to-end ownership of Isar Aerospace’s multi-site launch build-out. Reporting to the VP Mission & Launch Operations, you will lead the strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and execution of all launch site development projects – including expansion of our current site and the establishment of future launch sites. Your technical background in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, combined with proven project/program management expertise, will be essential in translating high-level business goals into actionable plans, managing complex timelines and budgets, and ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery. You will be the central point of accountability for site development, interfacing with technical, business, and external stakeholders to drive seamless execution and organizational alignment.

Your Role in Our Space Mission

• Own the planning, execution, and delivery of all launch site development programs, from site selection and permitting through construction, activation, and operational handover.
• Develop and manage comprehensive program plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations; track progress against key milestones and proactively mitigate risks.
• Lead cross-functional coordination with engineering, manufacturing, operations, finance, legal, and external vendors/contractors to ensure all technical and regulatory requirements are met.
• Drive the financial view of all launch site projects, including CAPEX/OPEX forecasting, cost tracking, and reporting; ensure projects meet financial, schedule, and quality targets.
• Prepare and present regular program updates, dashboards, and executive materials to the VP Mission & Launch Operations, company leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Establish and improve governance processes for project tracking, decision-making, and accountability across all launch site developments.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and environmental standards for all sites.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners (e.g., local authorities, permitting agencies, contractors) to secure necessary approvals and ensure smooth project progression.
• Synthesize complex technical and business information into actionable recommendations for leadership; elevate issues and propose solutions as needed.
• Foster a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across all launch site initiatives.
• Support the preparation and follow‑up of Board and executive reviews pertaining to infrastructure expansion.
• Take ownership of lessons‑learned processes and implement best practices for future site builds.

Qualification Checklist

• University degree (Bachelor or Master) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience managing large, complex technical programs or infrastructure projects, ideally in aerospace, industrial, or high‑tech environments.
• Demonstrated end-to-end project/program management experience, including financial planning, scheduling, risk management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Strong technical background with the ability to understand and challenge engineering concepts, plans, and trade‑offs.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing external contractors and vendors.
• Proven ability to own program budgets, develop financial models, and deliver projects within defined cost and schedule parameters.
• Excellent communication and executive reporting skills; able to convey complex technical and program information to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Project); familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, MS Project, Confluence, Teams) is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple initiatives, and thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.
• Experience working with regulatory, permitting, or governmental agencies is highly valued.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written); German language skills are a plus.
• Motivation to contribute to Isar Aerospace’s mission, with a drive to grow in a high‑impact, high‑visibility leadership role.

Benefits

• Employee Participation Program: Share in our success through our virtual company share program.
• 30 days of vacation.
• Company pension plan: 20% employer contribution after the probation period.
• Subsidised lunch.
• Public transport ticket financed through a Deutschlandticket.
• Sport Clubs membership via EGYM Wellpass.
• Individual learning allowance after the probation period.
• Childcare allowance for non‑school‑age children.
• Additional perks and benefits are available.

Who We Are

We are Isar Aerospace, a fast‑growing New Space company focused on sustainable, environmentally friendly launch solutions for small and medium‑sized satellites and constellations into Low Earth Orbit. Our mission is to democratise space and use it for good to improve life on Earth and for future generations. We disrupt traditional launch industry models and invite passionate, talented people to join our team.

Data Protection

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Disclaimer

Isar Aerospace SE is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security‑clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We use Metaview to record interview audio so our team can review it later and stay focused during the conversation. Participation is voluntary and will not affect your application in any way.