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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Storm Engine Test Bench Program Manager - **Company:** The Exploration Company - **Location:** München, Germany - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Integration Tests - **Published:** September 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/storm-test-bench-program-manager-the-exploration-company-8142267 ## About the Role * 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. ## Description 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., 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, * 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 ## Related Videos - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Building Reliable Serverless Applications with AWS CDK and Testing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/812-building-reliable-serverless-applications-with-aws-cdk-and-testing) - [Building the Right Product and Building It Right: A Glimpse into Extreme Programming, Atomic Design ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/398-building-the-right-product-and-building-it-right-a-glimpse-into-extreme-programming-atomic-design) - [Successful talent development: A joint journey of executives and talents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1002-successful-talent-development-a-joint-journey-of-executives-and-talents) - [Automated Driving - Why is it so hard to introduce](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/628-automated-driving-why-is-it-so-hard-to-introduce) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Finding Jobs in Germany](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/375-finding-jobs-in-germany) - [A Guide to Green Tech and Green IT Careers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/374-a-guide-to-green-tech-and-green-it-careers)