VP Ground Systems (m/f/d)

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Mission Brief

As Vice President Ground Systems, you will be responsible for ensuring that Isar Aerospace has the launch and test infrastructure required to achieve its short and long-term objectives.

You will define and execute the company's ground infrastructure strategy, identify and secure new launch and test capabilities, and lead the development and delivery of world-class ground systems. Working closely with executive leadership, customers, government agencies, regulators, spaceports, and industrial partners, you will proactively create opportunities that enable Isar Aerospace's growth ambitions.

You will lead a multidisciplinary organization responsible for the design, development, and delivery of launch pads, launch complexes, stage test facilities, engine test stands, and ground support equipment, while personally driving the strategic initiatives, partnerships, and investments required to expand Isar Aerospace's launch and testing footprint.

Your Role in Our Space Mission:

• Own Isar Aerospace's global launch and test infrastructure strategy and roadmap.

• Identify, originate, and secure new launch site, test site, and infrastructure opportunities worldwide.

• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with governments, regulators, spaceports, industrial partners, suppliers, and other strategic stakeholders.

• Personally lead negotiations and close commercial agreements, partnerships, leases, infrastructure investments, and long-term site access arrangements that expand Isar Aerospace's launch and testing capabilities.

• Develop compelling business cases and secure executive and board approval for major infrastructure investments and strategic initiatives.

• Translate company objectives, launch vehicle roadmaps, and operational needs into a cohesive infrastructure development strategy.

• Lead, coach, and develop managers and engineers across the Ground Systems organization while fostering a culture of accountability, technical excellence, speed, ownership, and continuous improvement.

• Lead and scale teams responsible for process facility design, civil infrastructure, mechanical systems, automation, control systems, cryogenic systems, and propulsion test infrastructure.

• Oversee the development of launch pads, launch complexes, engine test stands, stage test facilities, propellant infrastructure, and associated ground support equipment.

• Drive infrastructure programs from opportunity identification and concept development through site selection, permitting, design, construction, commissioning, and handover to operating teams.

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, compliantly, on schedule, and within budget. • Inform company-level decisions through robust planning, cost estimation, schedule forecasting, technical trade studies, and risk assessments.

• Ensure all ground systems are designed to meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, scalability, and operational flexibility.

• Act as a key member of the senior leadership team and contribute to the overall strategy and growth of Isar Aerospace.

Qualification Checklist

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Chemical, Electrical Engineering or a comparable technical discipline.

• 10+ years of leadership experience in aerospace, defense, energy, industrial infrastructure, process facilities, or comparable complex engineering environments.

• Proven track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects from concept through commissioning.

• Demonstrated success in identifying, developing, negotiating, and closing strategic infrastructure opportunities and partnerships.

• Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and project delivery organizations.

• Strong understanding of infrastructure development, permitting, construction, commissioning, and facility development processes.

• Experience managing large capital investment programs and associated financial planning.

• Proven ability to build, scale, and lead high-performing organizations.

• Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation experience.

• Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills.

• Strong systems-thinking capability with the ability to balance technical, operational, commercial, and strategic considerations.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action and a willingness to create opportunities where none currently exist.

• Fluent in English (C1).

Bonus Skills

• Experience developing launch infrastructure, test infrastructure, or spaceport facilities.

• Experience negotiating with government entities, regulators, or public infrastructure stakeholders.

• Existing network within the global aerospace, defense, energy, spaceport, or infrastructure sectors.

• Experience establishing international partnerships and strategic infrastructure investments.

• Experience in cryogenic systems, propulsion testing, industrial process facilities, or safety-critical infrastructure.

• Experience building and operating engineering organizations through periods of rapid growth.

Benefits

• Employee Participation Program: Share in our success through our virtual company share program

• 30 days of vacation: Enjoy the days off to relax and recharge

• Company pension plan: Secure your future with our company pension plan, featuring a 20% employer contribution after the probation period

• Subsidised lunch: Stay energised with delicious, subsidised lunches every day

• Public transport ticket: Commute with ease using a fully financed Deutschlandticket

• Rental clothing with laundry service: Enjoy hassle-free workwear with our convenient rental clothing and laundry service

• Sport Clubs membership: Stay fit with our sponsored sports club memberships (EGYM Wellpass)

• Individual learning allowance: Grow your skills with an individual learning budget granted after the probation period

• Childcare allowance: Receive a childcare allowance for your non-school-age…