R&D and Innovation Manager, Space & Defense Industry

CTG Consulting GmbH

. Define and drive the German R&D roadmap across sensing and autonomy technologies .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeMunich • GermanyMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in R&D management and innovation within sensing and autonomy technologies, with a strong focus on securing and managing publicly funded projects. Proficient in building networks with universities and research institutions while navigating funding program structures.

Highest-signal resume keywords

R&D ManagementSensing TechnologiesAutonomy TechnologiesPublicly Funded ProjectsNetwork-Building

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

RF SystemsOptical SystemsRoboticsData PostprocessingObject DetectionInnovation ManagementResearch CollaborationTechnical UnderstandingFunding Application ProcessesPhD or Strong Research Background

Soft Skills

Relationship ManagementIndependent Function OwnershipCross-Border Team Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

German Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Space SectorDefense SectorDeep-Tech SectorResearch PartnershipsInnovation EcosystemsUniversity EngagementsEmerging TechnologiesEuropean Funding Programs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and drive the German R&D roadmap across sensing and autonomy technologies
Identify technology gaps and opportunities that strengthen Infinite Orbits' competitive and technical positioning
Feed German technology developments, research partnerships, and engineering excellence into the wider Group's product roadmap
Own and grow relationships with German universities and research institutions
Identify and structure collaboration, thesis, and joint-research opportunities
Identify, pursue, and own applications to national and European funding programs from scoping through submission and reporting
Track emerging RF, optical, robotics, data postprocessing, and object detection technologies and potential partners or suppliers
Work with Engineering in Toulouse and other Group entities to align German R&D activities with the broader Group technology roadmap
Represent Infinite Orbits at innovation-focused events, university engagements, and research consortia

Requirements

What you’ll need

Engineering or scientific degree, or equivalent, in a field relevant to RF systems, optical systems, robotics, GNC, or software/data processing
PhD or strong research background a plus
3+ years of experience in R&D management, innovation management, or research collaboration in sensing or autonomy technology, ideally in the space, defense, or deep-tech sector
Track record of securing and managing publicly funded R&D projects (national or EU level) is a strong plus
Working technical understanding of sensing and autonomy technologies as applied to space or in-orbit servicing missions
Deep expertise in one or two of RF systems, optical sensing/communication, robotics, data postprocessing, and object detection
Working literacy in the other listed technology areas
Strong network-building ability with universities, research institutions, and innovation ecosystems
Solid understanding of funding program structures and application processes
Comfortable owning a new function independently in an early-stage, cross-border team environment
Fluent in German and English
Willingness to undergo a German security clearance procedure (Sicherheitsüberprüfung)
Frequent travel required within Germany and to Infinite Orbits' HQ in Toulouse and other European locations

Benefits

Comp & perks

Permanent employment (Unbefristeter Arbeitsvertrag)
6-month probation period
40 hours/week
30 days of annual leave
A founding role shaping Infinite Orbits Germany's R&D and innovation strategy
Direct influence on the wider Group's product roadmap
Direct exposure to Germany's university, research, and innovation-funding ecosystem in the space and defense sector