Space Program Development Manager (m/f/d)

Job title: Space Program Development Manager (m/f/d)

About the Role The Space Program Development Manager will scout space-sector opportunities, quantify potential value, and build differentiated propositions leveraging Linde’s capabilities. You will shepherd early-stage programs, develop robust business cases, and drive go-to-market strategies with cross-functional sponsorship and executive alignment.

What You'll Do

• Scout broadly for space-sector applications and technology-based offerings leveraging Linde’s capabilities and business models.
• Build and maintain a prioritized opportunity pipeline; screen and rank ideas using criteria (customer acceptance, impact, alternatives, IP, difficulty, execution feasibility).
• Map target value chains and customer workflows; define the ‘job to be done’ and quantify unmet needs.
• Engage customers, partners, industry groups, universities, government agencies, and other external stakeholders to gather Voice-of-Customer insights and validate demand.
• Size opportunities (market size, value pools, share potential) and create clear value propositions for differentiated solutions.
• Coordinate with internal technical experts to assess solution concepts; drive pre-feasibility studies (technical/commercial) and techno-economic comparisons versus state-of-the-art.
• Develop business cases with assumptions and sensitivity analyses; recommend “go / no-go / pivot” decisions supported by data.
• Lead initiation of new development programs; define scope, resources, milestones, and go-to-market strategy and drive proposals through early stage-gate reviews to secure business sponsorship and alignment.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline; MS/PhD in engineering or science and/or MBA is desired.
• 5+ years of work experience in the space sector at a commercial space firm or space-focused government organization.
• Demonstrated aptitude to learn new technical domains quickly.
• Strong analytical and business case skills (market sizing, value chain analysis, financial modeling, value propositions); comfort working with imperfect data and making structured assumptions.
• Technical acumen to understand customer processes and translate needs into solution concepts; ability to collaborate effectively with R&D and engineering teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; proven ability to influence across functions and present to senior stakeholders.
• Results-driven, self-directed, and comfortable with ambiguity in early-stage opportunity exploration.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed (typically up to ~25%).
• Experience in program development, technology commercialization, strategy, business development, product management, consulting, or a related role that blends technical and commercial responsibilities is a plus.
• Experience with stage-gate / portfolio management, leading early-stage innovation programs, and techno-economic assessments is ideal.
• Experience building partnerships/external networks (start-ups, suppliers, universities, consortia) would be ideal.

Nice to Have

• Additional experience with stage-gate / portfolio management and early-stage innovation program leadership.
• Proven ability to build and sustain external partnerships and networks across startups, suppliers, universities, and consortia.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: USD 113,680 – 170,000 per year.
• Benefits include competitive medical options, educational and professional development, employee discount program, 401K, pension plan, and life insurance.