(Senior) Programme Manager

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 * Own and build the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for Alpha, Proxima Fusion’s first fusion demonstrator. * Define the scheduling architecture, coding structure, baseline conventions, and reporting standards from the ground up. * Integrate sub-schedules across infrastructure, plant suppliers, manufacturing, and machine engineering into one coherent programme view. * Establish credible milestones, programme gates, dependencies, and schedule interfaces across all workstreams. * Identify, validate, and maintain the programme’s critical and near-critical paths. * Provide early warning of schedule risk, emerging delays, and downstream impacts. * Run schedule analysis to support recovery planning, mitigation actions, and informed trade-off decisions. * Maintain the IMS as a live, accurate, and trusted programme-management tool. * Support PMO governance, release-gate decisions, and executive programme reviews. * Provide clear schedule insights and recommendations to programme leadership as Alpha scales. * Drive schedule discipline and alignment across internal teams, suppliers, and delivery partners. * Ensure the programme has a defensible plan against which progress, performance, and readiness can be measured. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Build / advance the Alpha IMS architecture: WBS structure, activity coding, baseline conventions, and schedule governance rules that work across infrastructure, manufacturing, and machine disciplines * Consolidate sub-schedules from all workstreams - including facility and plant construction, specialist equipment suppliers, and machine engineering - into one integrated baseline; enforce scheduling standards with internal project owners and external delivery partners * Maintain a lean 6-week rolling lookahead as a live, actionable planning tool for the PMO and construction governance stream * Identify and continuously update the critical path; model schedule impacts from scope changes, design evolution, or supplier delays before they reach senior leadership as surprises * Own the schedule input to release gate decisions: prepare schedule status packs, flag float consumption, and present risk-adjusted scenarios to the management. * Define and enforce scheduling standards - including building and plant construction partners, and other specialist disciplines who provide delivery schedules as inputs to the IMS * Work in lockstep with the Cost Controller so that schedule baseline and cost forecast always reflect the same program assumptions; support integrated change impact assessments * Support the development of the PMO's broader project controls framework as the team builds out WHO YOU ARE * Experienced in integrated schedule management on major capital programs - energy, industrial, research infrastructure, or similarly complex multi-discipline projects; experience spanning both building construction and equipment/plant supply chains is strongly preferred * Capable of building an IMS architecture from scratch, not just maintaining an inherited baseline - you know what a good schedule looks like before it exists and can get there from incomplete inputs * Technically proficient in scheduling tools for large-scale complex projects; comfortable working with federated schedule inputs from parties using different tools and conventions * Able to hold the line on schedule discipline with internal engineers and external partners who have their own priorities - you combine analytical rigour with the communication skills to make schedule governance stick * Comfortable operating with high autonomy in an environment where program structure is still being built; define the working framework without waiting to be told how * Fluent in English; German is a strong advantage given the contractor and regulatory landscape * Familiar with AI tools and digital working methods; you adapt fast and are comfortable in a lean, high-pace environment INTERVIEW PROCESS * Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) * Technical Screening (30 min) * Technical Panel (3x60 min) * CEO call (30 min) *This role sits at "L3" 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.

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. As we scale our vehicle portfolio, we are growing the team responsible for bringing these vehicles to life. ROLE OVERVIEW As Assembly Integration and Testing Lead Engineer, you will own end-to-end vehicle manufacturing at TEC — from the first component arriving on the floor to the final acceptance hand-over. You will ensure that all TEC vehicles (Capsule, Lunar Lander, and Satellites) are delivered On Time, On Quality, On Cost (OTOQOC). Leading a multidisciplinary AIT organization, you will set the technical and operational standards that define how TEC builds spacecraft. Direct reports include: • GSE (Ground Support Equipment) • Mechanical / Propulsion / Thermal • Operations • Electrical Functional Test   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In your capacity as Lead AIT, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include: Vehicle Realisation & OTOQOC • Ensure all TEC vehicles (Capsule, Lunar Lander, Satellites) are assembled, integrated, and tested On Time, On Quality, and On Cost. • Define, implement, and enforce AIT plans, procedures, and schedules across all programmes. • Drive non-conformance resolution and lessons-learned processes to continuously raise the quality bar. • Ensure full traceability and compliance of AIT activities with applicable quality, safety, and reliability standards (ESA, NASA, or equivalent). Team Leadership • Lead, mentor, and develop the AIT team across GSE, Mechanical/Propulsion/Thermal, Operations, and Electrical Functional Test functions. • Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans for direct reports and the broader AIT organisation. • Foster a culture of extreme ownership, rigour, and continuous improvement on the shop floor and respect of rules for Flight hardware building (double check, cleanliness etc…). Budget & Resource Management • Own and manage the AIT budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across programmes. • Build and maintain multi-year budget forecasts aligned with the vehicle development roadmap. • Identify cost optimisation opportunities without compromising schedule or quality. Operational Planning & Infrastructure • Anticipate and plan operational needs including cleanroom and integration hall floor space (SQM), infrastructure upgrades, and tooling procurement. • Manage the procurement and qualification of all AIT tooling, GSE, and test equipment. • Ensure facilities and infrastructure scale in line with the vehicle production ramp-up. Cross-functional Collaboration • Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Programme Management to ensure seamless transition from design to hardware. • Represent AIT in programme reviews, customer audits, and milestone gates. • Interface with external partners, test facilities, and launch service providers as required.   WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU In the role of Lead AIT, ideally, you will have the following: • 10 to 15 years of experience as an AIT Manager on equivalent space vehicles (spacecraft, launchers, satellites, or planetary landers), with a demonstrable track record of delivering OTOQOC. • Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary AIT teams covering mechanical, electrical, propulsion, thermal, and GSE functions. • Deep technical expertise in spacecraft AIT processes, including MAIT planning, work instruction authoring, hazardous operations, and acceptance test campaigns. • Strong budget management skills, with experience owning multi-million-euro AIT budgets and reporting to senior leadership. • Demonstrated experience anticipating and planning for operational infrastructure needs: cleanroom SQM, cranes, vacuum chambers, vibration rigs, tooling. • Solid knowledge of space industry standards (ECSS, ESA, NASA) and their practical application in an AIT context. • Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills: you communicate clearly, make decisions under pressure, and bring your team with you. • Hands-on mindset — you are equally comfortable in a management review and on the shop floor. • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment where priorities evolve and resourcefulness is valued. • Fluent in English; French or German is a plus.   BONUS POINTS • Experience with multiple vehicle types (e.g., satellite + crewed vehicle + lander) across different mission profiles. • Exposure to serial production ramp-up in a space context. • Familiarity with New Space operating models and the associated pace and culture. • Experience interfacing with launch campaign teams and range safety. 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.