Technical Project Manager - Propulsion & Pyrotechnics

About the Role

As the Destinus propulsion team scales, we are building a dedicated group of Technical Project Managers to own execution of product development programmes, covering solid rocket motors, pyrotechnic components, and related systems. This frees our engineers to focus on technical depth, and our team leads on strategic leadership.

As one of the first hires in this group, you will manage projects and help build the PM structure itself alongside team leads and fellow TPMs. You own execution, schedule, coordination, risk, and delivery. The engineers run the technical depth; you run the programme.

What You’ll Do

Own end-to-end execution of product development programmes, from kick-off through hardware build, test campaigns, qualification, and delivery

Build and maintain programme plans covering engineering, manufacturing, procurement, testing, and regulatory dependencies, identify and resolve critical path risks early

Run programme reviews and cross-functional coordination meetings, keep decisions documented and actions closed

Work closely with propulsion and pyrotechnics engineers to track technical progress and translate it into clear programme status

Manage external dependencies: supplier lead times, test facility scheduling, regulatory submissions, and customer milestones

Proactively flag scope creep, resource conflicts, and schedule risk to the department head, with options, not just problems

Contribute to building the PM structure, tools, and ways of working for the department alongside team leads and fellow TPMs

What You’ll Need

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, systems, or a related engineering discipline

3–6 years in a hardware-heavy development environment; at least 2 in a project management, programme coordination, or technical lead role

Background in aerospace, defence, or a similarly regulated hardware domain; familiarity with hardware development and military qualification cycles is essential

Experience in or exposure to rocket motor, pyrotechnic, or ammunition development programmes is a strong advantage

Able to manage multiple concurrent projects across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and testing 6. Strong systems thinking, able to see the full picture, spot where the hard problems are likely to sit, and know when to dive into detail without losing sight of the overall programme

Strong planning and organizational skills, able to build a programme schedule from scratch, identify critical path, and keep it current

Comfortable building structure in an ambiguous environment, pragmatic over bureaucratic

Clear, direct communicator in English; German is an advantage