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Technical Project Manager (d/m/f) - Job Opportunity at Airbus Defence and Space GmbH

Manching, Germany
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 29, 2025
On-site
EUR 65,000 - 85,000 annually based on mid-level project management role in German aerospace sector with specialized defense applications and Airbus's competitive compensation structure

Benefits

Competitive salary package with performance-based special payments providing above-market compensation structure
Extended vacation benefits including 30 days paid leave plus additional special occasion days offering superior work-life balance
Comprehensive professional development programs with international career advancement opportunities across global operations
Premium retirement package with employer-funded pension plan ensuring long-term financial security
Employee equity participation through stock options providing ownership stake in company success
Corporate vehicle program with discounted leasing rates reducing personal transportation costs
Group insurance benefits with preferential rates across multiple coverage types
Public transportation subsidies supporting sustainable commuting and cost reduction
Exclusive employee discount network providing savings across partner companies and services
On-site medical services with dedicated health officer for preventive care and wellness support
Full dining facilities including canteen and cafeteria for convenient workplace nutrition
Family-friendly infrastructure with nearby kindergarten facilities supporting working parents
Flexible work arrangements including job sharing, part-time options, and adaptable scheduling for optimal work-life integration
Inclusive international work environment spanning 140+ nationalities fostering global perspective and cultural diversity

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic project leadership for critical weapon system integration test equipment development, directly impacting fighter aircraft certification and qualification processes
Execute comprehensive project lifecycle management from conceptualization through operational support, ensuring delivery of mission-critical testing infrastructure
Orchestrate cross-functional coordination of avionics, flight control, and hydraulics testing systems that enable aircraft safety and performance validation
Lead commercial proposal development and business acquisition activities, directly contributing to revenue generation and market expansion
Facilitate high-stakes stakeholder communications through project reviews and status meetings, ensuring transparency and proactive risk management for defense programs
Establish and maintain rigorous project documentation standards ensuring compliance with aerospace industry regulations and internal quality systems
Optimize procurement strategies and supplier relationship management to achieve cost-effectiveness while maintaining stringent quality standards for defense applications
Champion digital transformation initiatives in test equipment development, driving operational efficiency and technological advancement in aerospace testing capabilities

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline; alternatively, a comparable vocational qualification with several years of relevant experience

Experience

Several years of relevant experience in project management, ideally in a technical or engineering environment

Required Skills

Knowledge in project management techniques with strong understanding of project lifecycle management Familiarity with agile methodologies and project management tools, such as JIRA, Confluence, or similar platforms Basic knowledge of financial planning, controlling, and business administration Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Proficiency in both German and English (written and spoken)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The aerospace and defense industry is experiencing significant growth in test equipment digitization and automation, driven by increasingly complex aircraft systems requiring sophisticated validation processes. Companies are investing heavily in advanced testing infrastructure to support next-generation fighter aircraft development and certification programs. Defense contractors are prioritizing integrated project management approaches that combine technical expertise with commercial acumen, as programs become more complex and require seamless coordination between engineering development and business objectives. This trend is creating demand for hybrid technical-commercial project managers. The European defense sector is undergoing modernization initiatives focused on technological sovereignty and capability enhancement, driving increased investment in domestic testing and validation infrastructure for military aircraft systems.

Role Significance

Typically manages matrix teams of 8-15 engineers and technicians across multiple disciplines including avionics, hydraulics, and flight control systems, with coordination responsibilities extending to supplier teams and external stakeholders
Mid-level management position with significant technical responsibility and cross-functional leadership requirements. The role carries substantial decision-making authority over critical defense projects and represents a key coordination point between technical teams and business stakeholders.

Key Projects

Development of integrated test rigs for fighter aircraft weapon system certification spanning multi-year programs with budgets in the millions of euros Implementation of digitization initiatives for legacy test equipment requiring coordination of hardware upgrades, software development, and process reengineering Cross-functional collaboration on aircraft qualification programs involving regulatory compliance, customer requirements management, and technical validation protocols

Success Factors

Ability to navigate complex technical requirements while maintaining commercial viability and customer satisfaction in high-stakes defense programs where failure is not an option Strong stakeholder management capabilities essential for coordinating between engineering teams, procurement organizations, regulatory bodies, and customer representatives across international boundaries Deep understanding of aerospace industry standards and compliance requirements, as test equipment must meet stringent certification criteria for safety-critical applications Financial acumen to balance technical excellence with cost management in budget-constrained defense programs while maintaining quality standards Cultural adaptability and language skills necessary for success in Airbus's international environment where projects span multiple countries and regulatory frameworks

Market Demand

High demand driven by defense modernization programs, aerospace industry growth, and specialized nature of weapon system integration testing requiring both technical expertise and project management capabilities

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Project management expertise is fundamental as the role requires orchestrating complex technical programs with multiple stakeholders, strict timelines, and high-stakes deliverables where schedule delays can impact national defense capabilities and international partnerships Technical understanding of aerospace systems enables effective communication with engineering teams and informed decision-making regarding test equipment capabilities, limitations, and development priorities in highly specialized applications Stakeholder management capabilities are essential for success in defense programs involving multiple government agencies, international partners, and internal organizations with varying priorities and requirements Financial planning and controlling skills directly impact program profitability and customer satisfaction in cost-sensitive defense markets where budget overruns can jeopardize future business opportunities

Beneficial Skills

Agile methodology experience increasingly valuable as defense programs adopt flexible development approaches to respond rapidly to evolving threats and technological opportunities Digital transformation knowledge positions candidates for leadership in industry-wide modernization initiatives focused on test equipment automation and data analytics capabilities International business experience advantageous for navigating complex export control requirements and multi-national program structures common in defense cooperation agreements Supplier management expertise critical for optimizing cost and quality in complex supply chains involving specialized defense contractors and technology providers

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge fighter aircraft weapon systems that represent the pinnacle of aerospace engineering and defense technology, providing exposure to highly classified and strategically important programs
Direct involvement in certification and qualification processes that ensure aircraft safety and performance, contributing to programs that protect national security and support international defense partnerships
Access to Airbus's global network of aerospace expertise and international career opportunities spanning multiple countries and technological domains within the defense and commercial aviation sectors
Role combines technical project management with commercial responsibilities, providing comprehensive business experience in defense contracting and international program management

Career Growth

3-5 years to senior project management roles with demonstrated success in complex defense programs, 5-8 years to program management or technical director positions depending on leadership development and strategic contribution

Potential Next Roles

Senior Technical Project Manager with expanded portfolio responsibility across multiple aircraft platforms and international programs Program Manager roles overseeing entire aircraft development or modification programs with multi-million euro budgets and complex stakeholder networks Technical Director positions leading engineering organizations and setting strategic direction for test equipment development and validation processes

Company Overview

Airbus Defence and Space GmbH

Airbus Defence and Space represents one of Europe's leading aerospace and defense contractors, operating as a division of Airbus SE with global operations spanning military aircraft, space systems, and defense electronics. The organization combines cutting-edge technological capabilities with extensive international program management experience.

Tier 1 defense contractor with significant market share in European military aircraft programs and strong competitive position in international defense markets. The company maintains strategic partnerships with major defense organizations and holds key contracts for fighter aircraft development and support.
The Manching facility serves as a critical center for military aircraft development and testing in Germany, positioned as a key node in Airbus's European defense network with direct connections to customer organizations and supplier ecosystems throughout the region.
Engineering-focused environment emphasizing technical excellence, international collaboration, and long-term career development. The organization promotes diversity and inclusion while maintaining rigorous quality and safety standards required for defense applications.
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