Program Schedule Manager

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. 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.

WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION * You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. * You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. * Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. * Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. YOUR IMPACT * Lead the delivery of Alpha, Proxima's first fusion demonstrator, as owner-side Project Manager * Steer engineering partners, coordinate internal teams, manage risks, and ensure construction readiness * Drive clarity and decision-making at the intersection of physics, engineering, and infrastructure, where requirements evolve quickly WHAT YOU WILL DO * Lead the planning and delivery of Alpha, owning scope, schedule, risk, and cross-team alignment. * Direct the planning and delivery of the Alpha construction project, ensuring effective management of scope, schedule, risk, and cross-team alignment. * Drive structured coordination with engineering partners, ensuring contract alignment together with the Head of Siting & Infrastructure. * Integrate inputs from Technical Integration, machine engineering, BIM, and external partners into a coherent, delivery-ready plan. * Coordinate closely with the PMO scheduler, project coordinator, and controllers - guiding their work so that schedule development, tracking, reporting, and financial control align with Alpha’s delivery needs and with other sub-projects in the Alpha Delivery program. * Identify risks early, guide decision-making, and maintain transparency across teams and leadership. * Ensure construction and commissioning readiness by resolving cross-disciplinary issues before they become blockers. WHO YOU ARE * Significant experience delivering complex capital projects in energy, research, industrial, or high-tech environments. * Strong grasp of engineering–construction interfaces and owner-side project management. * Skilled at driving decisions, structuring ambiguity, and aligning a diverse set of stakeholders. * Comfortable operating with evolving technical maturity and incomplete information. * Able to represent owner priorities clearly when working with EPCM and engineering consortia. INTERVIEW PROCESS * Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) * Technical Screening (30 min) * Technical Panel (3x60 min) * CEO call (30 min) *This role sits at "LvL 3 out of 6" of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.