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:

• 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
• 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