Associate Director, Programmes - Space

Who we are Helsing is a defence AI company. Our mission is to protect our democracies. We aim to achieve technological leadership, so that open societies can continue to make sovereign decisions and control their ethical standards.   As democracies, we believe we have a special responsibility to be thoughtful about the development and deployment of powerful technologies like AI. We take this responsibility seriously.   We are an ambitious and committed team of engineers, AI specialists and customer-facing programme managers.  We are looking for mission-driven people to join our European teams – and apply their skills to solve the most complex and impactful problems. We embrace an open and transparent culture that welcomes healthy debates on the use of technology in defence, its benefits, and its ethical implications.   The role We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate Director / Programme Manager to lead the development and delivery of our space-based tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition system. This is a critical leadership position responsible for orchestrating a complex, multi-year programme as part of our recently announced consortium . As part of the joint venture you will be responsible for ensuring the overall programme’s success whilst also focusing on the specific AI and software elements being developed by Helsing. The day-to-day Leadership : Provide overall direction and management for the ISR constellation, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives and stakeholder requirements. Cross-functional Management: Coordinate and lead multidisciplinary teams from different partner companies (payload, bus, software, as well as launch, ground and operations segments) to achieve programme milestones. Technical Oversight: Ensure the successful development of artificial intelligence and software and how this is integrated and testing into the overall constellation. Schedule and Budget Management: Develop, maintain, and control integrated master schedules, cost baselines, and resource allocation to ensure the programme is delivered on time and within budget. Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate programme risks and opportunities, developing contingency plans as needed. Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary interface with internal leadership, external partners, customers, and government stakeholders, managing expectations and fostering strong relationships. Reporting and Communication : Provide regular, clear, and concise status updates, reports, and presentations to senior management, customers, and stakeholders on programme progress, issues, and accomplishments. Contract Management: Oversee contract execution, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. You should apply if you Proven experience in programme or project management within the aviation, aerospace or space industry, with a preference for experience with satellite systems and constellations. Demonstrated success in managing complex, multidisciplinary projects from concept to delivery, including the ability to manage budgets, schedules, and risks Expertise in consortium management, ensuring the programme’s success across multiple partners, suppliers and sub-suppliers Proven experience in delivering software-intensive programmes, in-depth knowledge of SDLC and integrating software into hardware/systems. Expertise in programme management methodologies, tools (e.g., Jira, MS Project), and best practices; formal management certificate considered a plus. Exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Are eligible for and willing to undergo clearance process for a German “Ü2” Personal Security Clearance. Note: We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically   under-represented. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points. Nice to Have Master's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science), or a related technical field, or equivalent experience in programme management. Familiarity with SAR technology and its applications. Familiarity with artificial intelligence within an aerospace, defence and/or space context. Join Helsing and work with world-leading experts in their fields   Helsing’s work is important. You’ll be directly contributing to the protection of democratic countries while balancing both ethical and geopolitical concerns The work is unique. We operate in a domain that has highly unusual technical requirements and constraints, and where robustness, safety, and ethical considerations are vital. You will face unique Engineering and AI challenges that make a meaningful impact in the world Our work frequently ta