Program Director (m/f/d)

Kurz zusammengefasst

Isar Aerospace is a fast‑growing, privately funded New Space company that builds the Spectrum launch vehicle to provide sustainable, low‑cost access to Low‑Earth‑Orbit for small and medium‑size satellites. As Program Director you will be accountable for delivering Spectrum on schedule, owning the integrated program timeline and aligning technical, resource and business priorities across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, test and launch operations. Your day‑to‑day work will centre on managing the master roadmap for all development, qualification, production and launch activities. You will identify and monitor critical‑path items, schedule risks and cross‑functional dependencies, and drive their resolution. You will lead program planning, milestone management and regular reviews, providing status updates, forecasts and recovery plans to executive leadership. In addition, you will guide the Program Management function, setting common planning, reporting and governance standards, and facilitate alignment among directors, VPs, program managers and senior leaders. The role requires a master's degree in aerospace, mechanical, systems or business engineering, or equivalent experience, and at least 15 years of experience leading complex technical development programmes in aerospace, space, defence, automotive or similar high‑technology sectors. A proven record of delivering highly complex products on aggressive schedules is essential, as is deep expertise in integrated master scheduling, critical‑path and risk management, and cross‑functional leadership within matrix organisations. Strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills, especially with executive leadership, are mandatory, together with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities. Fluency in English is required; German is a plus. Nice‑to‑have attributes include experience specifically in technical leadership of program‑management teams and a demonstrated ability to operate effectively in rapidly evolving, high‑pressure settings. The position is based in Germany, offering a flexible mobility budget (Deutschlandticket, JobRad, FINN JobAuto or fuel allowance), 30 days of vacation, a company pension with 20 % employer contribution after probation, subsidised lunches, rental work‑clothing with laundry service, sport‑club memberships, childcare allowance, an individual learning budget and participation in a virtual share‑ownership programme. What the role asks for: - M.Sc. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems or Business Engineering - 15+ years leading complex technical development programmes - Proven delivery of highly complex products on aggressive schedules - Expertise in integrated master scheduling and critical‑path management - Experience with risk management and cross‑functional leadership - Technical leadership of program‑management teams in matrix organisations - Strong communication and executive stakeholder‑management skills - Proficiency in English; German language a plus