Are you looking to work in a dynamic and multicultural environment? Do you want to contribute to the technological evolution of the aerospace and defense industry? Join a company where traditional applications space, defence and air mobility meet cutting-edge technologies from startups and scale ups.

Work alongside leaders, venture capital firms, and exceptional entrepreneurs, as well as the Innovation and Technology departments of major industry groups. Discover the boldest technological solutions and help us identify and support the future European unicorns!

Starburst is seeking an Innovation Project Manager & Startup Manager to lead innovation programs for corporate clients and execute accelerator programs supporting emerging technology startups. This role also plays a key part in marketing and event execution.

Our accelerator & innovation programs help high-potential startups scale their business in aerospace and defense with access to the largest group of corporate & government stakeholders in the world. We are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs scale their vision, find product-market fit, and build global dual-use companies.

Your role will encompass both the operational aspects of project management and strategic support for startup founders. Key responsibilities include:

Project management for Innovation Projects & accelerator programs:

• Managing the full project lifecycle, from initiation to closure, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, quality standards and alignment with program objectives.

• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the innovation program. Track program milestones, maintain detailed records, and coordinate across teams for seamless execution.

• Implementing project management methodologies and best practices.

• Managing client relationships to continuously adjust activities, ensuring smooth delivery and impact-oriented propositions that lead to customer satisfaction.

• Organizing and managing key program and industry events, including workshops, conferences, lectures, kickoff events, demo days, networking sessions, and partner-led activities.

• Ensuring effective communication and collaboration with European internal and external teams, as well as all project stakeholders, to align expectations and drive project success.

Startup Coaching:

• Supporting promising early-stage technology start-ups.

• Developing the business of cohort companies by utilizing and expanding on the Company’s network and building knowledge of Government programs.

• Working closely with startup founders to provide strategic guidance and operational support.

• Offering insights and recommendations to help startups navigate challenges, achieve their business objectives, and meet the targets of your innovative program.

Startup Scouting and Due Diligence:

• Identifying and evaluating promising startups for investment or customer partnership opportunities.

• Conducting due diligence to assess the viability and potential of startups.

Ecosystem & Community Engagement:

• Building and maintaining relationships with mentors, investors, corporate and government partners.

• Driving community and partner engagement and participation.

Advisory

• Within the various advisory missions of the company, you may be involved in supporting the strategy consulting team on market studies, market entry strategies, and value proposition analysis for innovative solutions.

We’re looking for exceptional talents to join us. The ideal candidate is an organized and proactive program manager with experience supporting early-stage startups, planning and managing events, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders. An interest in aerospace, defence and dual use technologies is important as this role will support startups developing innovations for both commercial and european defence applications.

You would typically:

• have a Master’s Degree from a top business or engineering school with 3 to 6 years of experience in relevant industries including innovation/accelerator programs, management consulting, and/or deep tech entrepreneurship

• have a clear understanding of early-stage technology companies, venture investment, and open innovation in the field of aerospace & defence.

• have excellent project management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to juggle multiple projects and manage competing priorities and tight deadlines

• Strong interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively and diplomatically to people throughout the company and across our external partners,

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills

• Have experience actively managing multiple client and stakeholder relationships

• Have knowledge of the startup and innovation sectors.

• Be a collaborative team player with positive attitude, high ethical standards and experienced in international work

• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills in French and English.

• Demonstrate autonomy, creativity, and a positive attitude.

• Show humility and a strong willingness to learn.

Due to the nature of the role, which involves working with European authorities, candidates must reside in an EU member state and have the right to work in the EU.