Space Program Development Manager

Space Program Development Manager

Lunova Group is partnering with an established global technology and industrial organization to identify a Space Program Development Manager who will help drive innovation and uncover new commercial opportunities within the rapidly evolving space industry. This is a unique opportunity for someone who understands the space market, enjoys exploring emerging technologies, and knows how to turn technical possibilities into real business opportunities.

Blending technology development, market strategy, and business development, this role will connect industry needs with technical capabilities to identify, evaluate, and advance new programs. We're looking for someone who brings strong space industry relationships, technical credibility, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Why Join the Team?

You'll have the opportunity to help shape the future of an established organization's involvement in the growing space industry. Working alongside experienced technical, engineering, and commercial teams, you'll have the autonomy to explore emerging markets, build meaningful industry relationships, and influence investment in new technologies and development programs. This is an opportunity to combine your technical expertise and industry knowledge to make a lasting impact.

What You'll Do

• Identify New Opportunities: Explore emerging technologies, market trends, customer challenges, and growth opportunities across the commercial and government space sectors.
• Build Industry Relationships: Develop connections with space companies, government organizations, research institutions, technology partners, and industry leaders.
• Connect Technology & Market Needs: Identify opportunities to apply existing technical capabilities or develop new solutions to address challenges within the space industry.
• Evaluate Commercial Potential: Assess technical feasibility, market demand, competitive alternatives, and financial potential to prioritize new opportunities.
• Develop Business Cases: Build market assessments, financial models, value propositions, and investment recommendations for potential development programs.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with R&D, engineering, commercial, and operational teams to evaluate opportunities and develop solutions.
• Advance New Programs: Help move promising concepts toward funded development programs by defining scope, resources, partnerships, and commercialization strategies.
• Influence Strategic Decisions: Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership to help guide future technology investments.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• Space Industry Experience: Approximately 10 years of relevant experience within the commercial space, aerospace, government space, or related technology sectors preferred.
• Technical Background: Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical/scientific discipline, with the ability to understand complex technologies and development processes.
• Industry Knowledge & Relationships: Strong understanding of the space ecosystem, emerging technologies, major industry participants, and market opportunities, ideally supported by an established professional network.
• Technology & Commercialization Experience: Ability to connect technical capabilities with customer needs, evaluate new technologies, and identify opportunities for commercial growth.
• Strategic & Analytical Skills: Experience with market assessments, business case development, financial modeling, technical evaluations, or related strategic initiatives.
• Relationship Building & Communication: Confidence engaging with technical experts, customers, industry partners, and executive stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: A curious, self-directed approach to identifying opportunities, building relationships, and advancing new ideas.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed, typically up to 25%.

Location: Burr Ridge, IL and Buffalo, NY are preferred. Houston, TX, Phoenix, AZ, remote, and other locations with a strong space industry presence may also be considered for qualified candidates.

Interested in helping shape what's next for the space industry? We'd love to connect.