Head of Propulsion in Großmehring, München

Starflight Dynamics (SFDY) is a Munich-based SpaceTech company building the foundational technologies for Europe's next generation of orbital infrastructure. Founded in 2023, we develop dual-use systems for space and defence: a green, water-based orbital propulsion stack and modular platforms for in-orbit operations.Working with partners such as the University of the German Armed Forces in Munich and the BAAINBw, we're a small, ambitious team moving fast from prototype to orbit. Join us and help shape how Europe operates, and defends its interests, in space.Mission & ResponsibilitiesYou will give our Propulsion department dedicated, accountable leadership: setting its direction, building its team and delivering on its commitments, side by side with our technical authority for propulsion.Lead the Propulsion department: day-to-day operations, project management, and change and risk managementOwn the department's strategic direction and its technology and product-line roadmapOwn delivery against all commitments, and set priorities and resources across the departmentBuild the cooperation with neighbouring departments such as Systems Engineering & AITTechnical and Scientific OversightAct as an independent, critical second opinion on system-level technical decisions, grounded in the state of the artRepresent Propulsion in company-level technical reviews and roadmap planningLead proposal and funding work with ESA, BAAINBw and othersPeople & ProcessesBuild the hiring plan, grow the team, and establish engineering processes, documentation standards and onboardingOwn performance management, training and career developmentBe accountable for personnel safety and security in the departmentWhat we are looking forMust have10-15 years in in-space propulsion or a closely adjacent hardware discipline, including people-leadership experienceTrack record building or scaling a technical team from a small baseComfortable operating alongside an existing strong technical authority without needing to own every technical call personallyScientific depth to critically assess research and engineering work in the field, typically an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics or a related discipline, ideally with a publication recordDemonstrated experience in operational and project management, including change and risk management and supervising delegated management functionsNice to haveGerman, a strong plus for work with BAAINBwExperience writing or leading ESA, BAAINBw or comparable funding proposalsA publication record in propulsion or a related fieldWillingness and eligibility to undergo a security clearance check (Sicherheitsüberprüfung, SÜG) may be required for this role, depending on project assignment.What we offerA challenging position in the space industry with high responsibilitiesA permanent contract and 30 days of vacationFlexible hoursEmployee benefits, such as fitness programmes, mobility allowance, and shopping vouchersAccess to the company's virtual share options programmeDiversity & Encouragement to applyResearch shows that people from underrepresented groups are statistically less likely to apply for a role unless they meet every single requirement listed. If that's you — but you're genuinely excited about building the foundations of Europe's orbital infrastructure — we'd strongly encourage you to apply anyway. We care more about drive and capability than a perfect match on paper.We believe diversity of background and perspective drives better engineering and better decisions, and we welcome applications regardless of gender, age, nationality, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference where equally qualified.Data PrivacyInformation on how we process your application data can be found in our privacy notice on our website #J-18808-Ljbffr