Engineering Program Manager

Dawn is pioneering a new generation of extreme performance aircraft. We are looking for an experienced leader to help us develop and operate the next generation of our vehicles. You will lead a cross-functional team, drive technical execution as well as manage schedule a budget.

This role leads collaboration between propulsion, avionics, aerodynamics, software, regulatory and commercial teams. The ideal candidate will balance strategic oversight with hands-on project execution, bridging technical development and operational success.

Your key responsibilities:

Program & Engineering Management

·       Develop and manage program schedules, budgets, and milestones to ensure timely execution.

·       Oversee end-to-end lifecycle, from R&D to flight testing and operations.

·       Identify risks and opportunities, adapting plans as needed to maintain alignment with safety and performance goals.

·       Define and evolve team structure and resource planning to support program growth.

Stakeholder & Communication Management

·       Align technical teams, regulatory bodies, suppliers, and commercial partners.

·       Provide clear, concise program updates to leadership and customers.

·       Proactively present opportunities and solutions to challenges, enabling rapid decision-making.

Risk, Resource & Financial Oversight

·       Identify and mitigate technical, operational, and financial risks.

·       Optimize resource allocation and team performance through leadership, training, and reviews.

·       Manage budgets and spending to drive cost-efficient execution.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

·       Implement lessons learned to enhance future programs.

·       Drive innovation in technology, processes, and cost efficiency.

What you will bring:

·       Proven experience managing complex aerospace or related programs, tracking milestones and KPIs.

·       Expertise in project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid).

·       Strong problem-solving and risk management capabilities.

·       Proficiency in project tools (e.g., Wrike, Confluence).

·       Experience in R&D, flight testing, and operational deployment.

Bonus Skills:

·       Experience with agile methodologies in hardware development.

·       Ability to align program execution with strategic business goals.

·       Strong stakeholder and regulatory engagement experience.

About Dawn Aerospace

Dawn Aerospace is revolutionizing sustainable, high-frequency spaceflight. Our Mk-II Aurora spaceplane demonstrator has completed 50 successful flights, and we recently completed the first campaign utilising rocket engines. Mk-II is unique in that it combines the performance of a rocket and the rapid reusability and economic model of an aircraft.

Apply for this Job

Important! If you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you.

Please also note that due to our current customer base and the nature of our industry we are required to conduct background checks that are undertaken for security reasons. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that the Employee be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Under these Regulations, an employee may be ineligible for a role in our Dutch or New Zealand office if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if they hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.