Storm Test Bench Program Manager

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity. Storm is TEC’s high-performance liquid rocket engine program, developed to support next-generation launch and space transportation applications. The Storm development strategy relies heavily on ground testing, from early development models to qualification and acceptance campaigns. The engine test bench is a critical enabler of the program, and its on-time delivery is essential to maintain the Storm development schedule. As Storm Engine Test Bench Program Manager, you are responsible for driving the on-time delivery of the Storm engine test bench development program. You will ensure execution discipline across the bench development workstream: integrating schedules, tracking deliverables, coordinating stakeholders and suppliers, anticipating blockers, and escalating decisions to keep the program on track. In addition, you will act as the primary point of contact for identifying and securing a suitable test bench location, coordinating the site selection process with internal stakeholders and external parties. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES PROGRAM PLANNING AND DELIVERY (SCHEDULE, SCOPE, COST TRACKING) - Build, maintain, and continuously improve the integrated test bench delivery plan (design maturity gates, procurement lead times, manufacturing, installation, integration, and commissioning support activities). - Own the critical path, dependencies, and milestone readiness criteria (from a delivery perspective). - Track progress, identify schedule threats early, and drive recovery plans (re-sequencing, parallelization, expediting, resourcing proposals). - Maintain program routines (weekly reviews, action tracking, decision logs) to ensure execution discipline. CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION - Animate weekly/monthly routines: bench program reviews, schedule reviews, and interface meetings - Ensure alignment between propulsion engineering, test engineering, facilities/infrastructure, procurement, quality, and site teams - Prepare concise reporting for program leadership: status, risks, mitigation, upcoming decisions, and milestone readiness - Coordinate preparation of key internal reviews (bench concept reviews, design/package readiness, delivery readiness checkpoints) TEST BENCH LOCATION IDENTIFICATION AND SITE SELECTION (POINT OF CONTACT) - Act as the single point of contact to identify, assess, and secure a test bench location aligned with the Storm schedule and development needs. - Coordinate the site selection process (timeline, stakeholder alignment, decision gates, and documentation) and ensure decisions are taken in time to protect the critical path. - With support from the engineering team (who define requirements and technical needs), consolidate the test site needs impacting the choice of location and translate them into: - A practical location assessment checklist (capabilities, utilities, access, constraints) - A comparison of candidate sites (schedule, cost, readiness, risks) - Clear decision packages for leadership (trade-offs, recommended option, fallback plans) - Coordinate interfaces with external stakeholders as needed (site operators, landlords/partners, utilities, local service providers), in alignment with internal owners. PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLIER COORDINATION - Coordinate long-lead procurement tracking - Support supplier selection and onboarding (RFI/RFQ process coordination, delivery tracking, expediting) - Monitor supplier performance and ensure timely resolution of delivery issues, NCR handling coordination, and logistics readiness - Ensure documentation deliverables from suppliers are collected and integrated INTEGRATION AND COMMISSIONING READINESS SUPPORT - Ensure prerequisites for integration/commissioning are planned and tracked: procedures availability, resources, tooling, spares, training needs and documentation readiness (owned by responsible teams) - Track open points, coordinate closure plans, and ensure readiness evidence is available for management decisions. - Support lessons-learned capture and incorporation into the next iterations of bench capability WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE FROM YOU - Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or similar - Significant experience delivering complex test infrastructure or propulsion tests programs - Proven program management experience (planning, budgeting, risk, suppliers) - Strong understanding of propulsion testing, cryogenic systems, and hazardous operations - Experience with LOX/methane engine testing or cryogenic facilities - Familiarity with European space programs and standards (e.g. ECSS, ESA‑style reviews) - Experience with regulated industrial sites, permitting, or environmental compliance - Background in high‑cadence test operations - Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and make sound technical and operational decisions - Strong ownership and delivery mindset - Systems‑level thinking and interface management - Calm decision‑making during high‑pressure test activities - Strong documentation and reporting discipline - Fluent in English; French or German is a plus. Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:   - We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind  - We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them   - We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?   We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.    The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.