Program Manager

About PLD Space

PLD Space is an international company on a mission to transport satellites into space, vertically integrating the engineering, testing, manufacturing, and operations of its reusable and sustainable rockets. Headquartered in Elche (Spain) and founded in 2011 by Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú, PLD Space has established itself as a global benchmark in the small satellite launch sector. Its family of MIURA launchers and LINCE crewed capsule position the company as a leader in European technological sovereignty for space transportation, covering the full spectrum of space missions.

PLD Space operates over 188,000 m² of facilities in Elche, Teruel (Spain), Kourou (French Guiana), and Duqm (Oman), enabling the company to provide comprehensive satellite and payload launch services into space.

Teamwork, courage, determination and ambition enable PLD Space to guarantee an autonomous, independent satellite space access capability, based on reliability at a globally competitive price. The company is able to offer best-in-class launch services to commercial satellite operators, institutions, space agencies and national and international governmental entities

Mission

As a Program Manager, you will lead the execution of a strategic program focused on the development, integration, qualification, and operational deployment of the next generation of launch systems within the MIURA family.

You will be accountable for achieving program objectives across technical performance, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and operational readiness, ensuring alignment between engineering, manufacturing, testing, launch operations, and business priorities.

The role requires leadership of multidisciplinary teams throughout the complete lifecycle of a highly complex aerospace system, from concept maturation and development activities through qualification campaigns, industrialization, flight readiness, and operational service.

Working closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders, you will drive governance, decision-making, resource prioritization, and risk management to ensure the successful delivery of launch capabilities that expand and strengthen the company's position in the global space transportation market.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery of launch system programs.
• Own program schedule, scope, budget, risks, opportunities, and performance objectives.
• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, ensuring alignment between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, testing, operations, and business milestones.
• Establish and drive program governance structures, including management reviews, steering committees, and executive reporting.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely execution of activities and successful achievement of key program milestones.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Drive decision-making processes by facilitating discussions, evaluating alternatives, and escalating critical matters when required.
• Monitor program performance through KPIs, dashboards, and reporting tools, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Ensure alignment between technical development activities and contractual, strategic, and business objectives.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and maintain effective communication with internal and external partners.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, PMO and Business Development teams.
• Lead recovery plans and corrective actions when deviations to schedule, cost, scope, or performance occur.
• Support resource planning, prioritization, and allocation activities across program teams.
• Promote continuous improvement in program management methodologies, tools, and governance practices.
• Act as the primary point of contact for overall program execution and performance.

Required Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, PMO, Systems Engineering, or similar leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex engineering or aerospace development programs.
• Strong knowledge of project and program management methodologies and lifecycle management.
• Experience with integrated planning and scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and performance tracking.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams within highly technical environments.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English.

Competencies Desired

• Experience within the aerospace, defense, launch systems, aviation, or high-technology industries.
• Experience leading new product development or complex system integration programs.
• Strong systems-thinking approach and ability to understand technical interdependencies.
• Ability to influence without direct authority across multidisciplinary organizations.
• Strategic mindset with strong business acumen.
• Proven ability to operate in fast-paced and evolving environments.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• High level of accountability and ownership.
• Results-driven mentality focused on execution and delivery.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal and team leadership capabilities.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Physiotherapy within our facilities
• 50% discount on your health insurance
• You can sign-up your family members with health insurance at a competitive price.
• Healthy snacks and lots of fruit

Find balance

• 23 days of paid vacation plus December 24th and 31st
• Flexible work schedule

Never stop learning

• We encourage practical learning
• We promote professional development through internal mobility and teamwork

Focus on your financial future

• Childcare flexible contributions
• Restaurant tickets
• Transport flexible contributions
• Training support

Values

We have five critical beliefs that guide the way PLD Space is shaping the future of space launch technologies.

• Teamwork.
• Hard work.
• Dynamism.
• Commitment.
• Keep it simple.

Join us to reinvent how rockets are built!