Strategy Project Manager Aerospace & Defense

This role combines strategic advisory, consulting project delivery, business development and innovation ecosystem engagement . You will work closely with corporate and institutional clients to address strategic challenges, identify emerging technology opportunities, and design innovation initiatives that accelerate the adoption of next-generation aerospace and defence capabilities.

You will operate at the intersection of strategy consulting, technology scouting, startup acceleration and ecosystem development , engaging with industry leaders, investors, public institutions and high-potential startups across Europe.

Your impact

You will contribute to shaping the future of the aerospace and defence industry by supporting clients in:

• Defining innovation and technology strategies aligned with market and operational needs
• Identifying emerging technologies and disruptive business models
• Structuring innovation initiatives and strategic partnerships
• Accelerating the adoption of dual-use technologies developed by startups and scale-ups

You will also contribute to strengthening Starburst’s position as a leading innovation partner for aerospace and defence stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Consulting & Innovation Advisory

• Lead and manage consulting engagements for aerospace and defence corporates, institutional clients and investors, from project scoping and team setup to final delivery, ensuring high-quality outputs and client satisfaction
• Manage and coach project teams (consultants, analysts and external experts), allocating resources, structuring workstreams and ensuring effective execution against objectives and timelines
• Lead strategic analyses on emerging markets, technologies and competitive landscapes, combining rigorous research with strategic thinking to generate actionable insights
• Support clients in defining innovation roadmaps, technology strategies and new business opportunities, translating technological trends into strategic recommendations
• Oversee the identification and assessment of emerging technologies, startups and market trends relevant to client challenges, leveraging internal and external ecosystems
• Develop and present strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders, guiding decision-making and supporting clients in navigating complex aerospace and defence challenges
• Prepare high-quality consulting deliverables, including market studies, strategic analyses, benchmarks and executive presentations

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Support the development of Starburst’s consulting activities with aerospace and defence stakeholders
• Identify new business opportunities with corporates, public institutions and ecosystem partners
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers across the aerospace and defence ecosystem
• Contribute to proposal development, including responses to strategic opportunities and EU-funded programmes
• Support client acquisition through market intelligence, ecosystem insights and strategic discussions

Innovation Programs & Ecosystem Development

• Design and deliver innovation programmes supporting corporate innovation objectives and startup growth
• Manage strategic partnerships between corporates, institutions, investors and startups
• Identify, assess and support high-potential startups developing dual-use technologies
• Conduct startup scouting, market assessments and business model analysis
• Support startups in refining their go-to-market strategy, customer engagement and scaling plans
• Organise innovation workshops, executive meetings and ecosystem events

Qualifications

4–6 years of experience in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, aerospace & defence, or technology ecosystems

Demonstrated experience as a project manager / engagement manager, with the ability to structure workstreams, coordinate team members, ensure high-quality delivery, and manage client relationships

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure complex strategic challenges and translate insights into actionable recommendations

Experience managing and developing junior team members, including coaching, mentoring and providing feedback to support their growth

Strong ability to interact with senior stakeholders, build trusted relationships and confidently present strategic recommendations

Strong interest in emerging technologies, startups and innovation ecosystems

Deep understanding of aerospace, defence or dual-use markets is a strong advantage

Entrepreneurial mindset, autonomy and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, international and evolving environment