Head of Advanced Projects

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. In parallel of the Nyx project, the Advanced Projects team prepares the future of the company by incubating new concepts, spacecrafts and missions. The Head of Advanced Projects department is responsible for leading and managing a multidisciplinary project and engineering team focused on securing and delivering early-phase projects. This role aims at: - overseeing the support to the Business Development team for the preparation proposals in response to Invitations to Tender (ITT), Requests for Proposals (RFP), and other bid opportunities, - ensuring successful execution of awarded contracts during Phase 0, Phase A, and Phase B or part of Phase B so that to prepare the development phase The position plays a critical strategic role in shaping future programs by transforming customer needs into viable technical solutions and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Key Responsibilities In your capacity as a Head of Advanced Projects, your role will be continuously evolving, but day-to-day your duties will include: - Bid & Proposal Leadership - Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to prepare winning proposals in support to the Business Team. - Support your team to define technical concepts, architectures, development roadmaps, cost estimations, and schedules. - Ensure alignment between technical solutions, business strategy, and risk management. - Review and approve proposal packages prior to submission. - Represent the company during customer presentations, technical clarifications, and negotiations. - Early Phase Program Execution (Phase 0, A, B) - Lead the implementation of awarded early-phase contracts (or support dedicated project manager and technical leaders within your team). - Ensure projects meet objectives in terms of scope, schedule, cost, and quality. - Implement robust risk and opportunity management practices. - Monitor financial performance including budgeting, forecasting, and margin control. - Coordinate system engineering activities, feasibility studies, trade-offs, preliminary design, and risk reduction. - Report project and bid status to executive management. - Prepare development phase (EAC, budget and organisation) - Team Leadership & Development - Manage, mentor, and grow a team of engineers and project managers. - Foster a culture of extreme ownership, technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation. - Allocate resources effectively across bids and projects. - Identify competency gaps and support recruitment and skills development initiatives. - Stakeholder & Customer Management - Act as primary interface for customers during proposal and early project phases. - Build and maintain strong relationships with key institutional and commercial stakeholders. - Support strategic partnerships and industrial consortium building when required. What We Would Love to See from You In the role of Head of Advanced Projects ideally, you will have the following: - Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. - Proven work experience of more than 10 years in the aerospace industry (both project management and technical responsibilities). - Strong technical background with hands-on engineering experience and working space systems. - Experience in early phases at vehicle/spacecraft level and at technology level, with good system mindset. Skills and Behaviors - Strong oral and written communication skills - Strong analysis and problem-solving skills - Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks - Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done - Ability to communicate at all levels of the business - Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork