Innovation Project Manager Aerospace & Defence

À propos

Starburst est un cabinet de conseil en stratégie et innovation et le premier accélérateur mondial d’entreprises dédié aux startups des secteurs aérospatial et défense (A&D). L’entreprise a été fondée à Paris en 2012 mais a rapidement élargi son implantation dans le monde et possède aujourd’hui 8 bureaux où une cinquantaine d’employés y sont répartis, comme : Paris, Munich, Los Angeles ou Séoul.

L'objectif de l'équipe conseil en stratégie est d'accompagner les clients de l'écosystème A&D sur leurs sujets stratégiques : définition de stratégie de croissance (nouveau segment de marché, nouvelle géographie, etc.), adaptation de la proposition de valeur d'une innovation, animation de hackathon / séminaire stratégique pour définir une stratégie long-terme, etc.

Quant à lui, l’accélérateur vise à offrir un accompagnement personnalisé aux startups identifiées ainsi que de donner à ses partenaires industriels et institutionnels internationaux un accès à l’écosystème d’innovation que crée Starburst.


Founded in 2012, Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry.

Combining three complementary activities—accelerators, strategy consulting, & ventures—they help stakeholders innovate, navigate and invest in the dynamic ecosystem. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, Madrid, and Washington, D.C., Starburst has built a robust community with 60+ corporate and government partners and a portfolio of 140+ startups while identifying all sources of innovation that will impact the aerospace value chain.

Starburst’s leading Flagship Accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defense with access to one of the largest groups of corporate representatives, government stakeholders, and private venture investors in the world.

More information about Starburst can be found at www.starburst.aero.

Descriptif du poste

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 at the intersection of traditional aerospace and defense applications and cutting-edge technologies emerging from startups and scale-ups.

At Starburst, you will work alongside industry leaders, venture capital firms, and high-potential entrepreneurs, as well as Innovation and Technology departments of major industrial groups. You will play a key role in identifying, supporting, and scaling the next generation of European dual-use champions.

Role overview

Starburst is seeking a Innovation Project Manager to lead our flagship innovation programs for corporate and institutional clients while supporting the growth of emerging technology startups.

This role combines strong project management (PMO) responsibilities with a business development and strategic advisory role, requiring the ability to operate at the intersection of program delivery, ecosystem engagement, and startup scaling.

Your impact:

You will contribute to the execution and structuring of innovation programs, specifically in the EU context while actively supporting startups and engaging with key stakeholders across the European aerospace and defense ecosystem

Key responsabilities:

Project Innovation Management (PMO & Program Delivery)

  • Lead and oversee the full lifecycle of innovation and accelerator programs, from strategic initiation to successful delivery, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and alignment with strategic goals.

  • Manage and mentor a high-performing team of 2-3 professionals, fostering a collaborative environment while driving individual development and program success

  • Oversee day-to-day operations, track milestones, and ensure efficient execution across stakeholders

  • Implement project management best practices for high-quality program delivery

  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders (corporates, startups, public institutions) to ensure alignment and impact

  • Build and maintain client relationships, adapting programs to deliver value-driven outcomes

  • Organize key events (workshops, demo days, conferences) to enhance program visibility and impact

Business Development lead

  • Engage with corporate and institutional partners to identify collaboration and business opportunities

  • Track and respond to calls for proposals and applications related to EU tenders (e.g., EDF EDIP)

  • Take responsibility for responding to these calls and coordinating internal responses

  • Support the identification and qualification of potential partners, including primes, institutions, and other stakeholders, for partnerships, investment, or program participation

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the aerospace and defense ecosystem, including corporates, investors, public institutions, and mentors

Ecosystem & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Support early-stage and scale-up startups in structuring their growth and go-to-market strategies

  • Conduct due diligence and assess the strategic and business potential of startups

  • Contribute to the animation and development of the innovative ecosystem and community

  • Support engagement initiatives to increase program visibility and participation

Profil recherché

We’re looking for exceptional talent to join us. The ideal candidate is a hybrid profile combining strong project management (PMO) capabilities with business development experience, able to operate in complex and multi-stakeholder environments with an experience of 5-8 years. A strong experience with EU institutions is a real plus

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to both structure and deliver innovation programs while actively contributing to startup growth, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives within the aerospace and defense ecosystem.

A strong interest in aerospace, defence, and dual-use technologies, as well as a good understanding of the European defense and institutional landscape, is essential, as this role involves working closely with corporate and public stakeholders.

  • 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.

Must have

  • 5-8 years of experience

  • Either first experience in business development (B2B, B2G) within an aerospace and defense context, or experience in innovation within deep tech.

  • Strong interest for aerospace and defense sector

  • Degree from a top business school or engineering school.

  • Native in French

Good to have

  • Understanding EU context

  • Dual degree in business school and engineering school

Informations complémentaires

  • Type de contrat : CDI
  • Lieu : Paris
  • Niveau d'études : Bac +5 / Master
  • Expérience : > 5 ans
  • Télétravail ponctuel autorisé