Space Projects & Proposal Manager

Your mission

We are looking for a project manager for defense and civil-related activities at OKAPI:Orbits. You will be end-to-end responsible for the successful execution of proposals – from proposal writing through project implementation and contract closure. As such, you will work together with our technical experts to develop ideas beyond the state of the art, tackling the protection of assets in space. Customers will be mostly from governments, and space agencies (national and international), as well as from the defense sector throughout Europe.

Note: As this role will require gaining security clearance, restricted projects might pose limitations on hybrid work options.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Ensure successful execution of projects with up to multi-million € budgets, both as prime- and sub-subcontractor, specifically with presentations and summary reports (such as mid-term and final reports).
• Represent OKAPI:Orbits to external stakeholders in project meetings.
• Actively search for new project opportunities, responding both to RFI/RFPs
• Writing and coordination of proposals.
• Project controlling together with our Head of Finance.

Your profile

Must-haves

• Work permit for EEA
• Background in space engineering, aerospace engineering or similar, combined business/engineering degree or relevant work experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in the industry, including having worked ideally both on projects for the defense and civil sector.
• Knowledge of different project management techniques, including
• Experience in planning and reporting of projects,
• Experience in using project management software and techniques for effort and budget estimation, time planning, and resource allocation,
• Experience in managing complex information and generating overviews adapted to different stakeholders, both technical and non-technical.
• Very good English (C1) & German (B2) skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in working in classified work environments.
• Basic knowledge in effective risk management
• Knowledge of European (EU and national states’) tender processes, tender portals, and funding schemes is a strong plus,
• Being able to prove these abilities in a defense context is considered a plus,
• Proof of capabilities with standard project management-related certifications is a plus (e.g., PMP).
• Military/Defense background.

Why us?

• With a flat hierarchy and small working groups, you define your way of work, including flexible working hours.
• Quickly gain your responsibilities in the company and provide your input to shape the future of OKAPI:Orbits.
• Access to a dedicated training budget to continuously develop your skills.
• Regular after-work activities like laser tag, dinner, chess, bouldering, or a simple beer.
• Possibility to participate in national and international conferences
• Enjoy perks such as free drinks, team events, bike-leasing, retirement plans, BahnCard and much more.

From Application to Offer: Our Hiring Process

• You send us your application
• We review your profile and get back to you with a short questionnaire
• A first interview with our HR team
• A second interview with our technical lead
• A final interview with the department lead