VP Ground Systems (m/f/d)

The role

The Vice President Ground Systems will define and execute the company's ground infrastructure strategy. This person will lead a multidisciplinary organization to design, develop, and deliver launch pads, test facilities, and ground support equipment.

What you will do

• 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, and partners.
• Lead negotiations and close commercial agreements, partnerships, and infrastructure investments.
• Develop business cases and secure executive and board approval for major infrastructure investments.
• Translate company objectives and launch vehicle roadmaps into infrastructure development strategy.
• Lead, coach, and develop managers and engineers across the Ground Systems organization.
• Lead and scale teams responsible for process facility design, civil infrastructure, and mechanical systems.
• Oversee the development of launch pads, launch complexes, engine test stands, and propellant infrastructure.
• Drive infrastructure programs from concept through site selection, construction, and commissioning.

Required qualifications

• 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.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action.

Nice to have

• 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: virtual company share program
• 30 days of vacation
• Company pension plan with 20% employer contribution after the probation period
• Subsidised lunch
• Fully financed Deutschlandticket
• Rental clothing with laundry service
• Sponsored sports club memberships (EGYM Wellpass)
• Individual learning budget granted after the probation period
• Childcare allowance for non-school-age children

Before you apply

• Affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process due to security clearance requirements.

About the company

Isar Aerospace is a fast-growing company building a modern space business to provide sustainable launch solutions for small and medium-sized satellites. The company is privately funded by technology investors.