Managing Director - Italy

Managing Director - Italy Lead Alpha Impulsion Italia to the development of autophage rocket engines. Join the crew By joining Alpha Impulsion as Managing Director - Italy , you will lead the company’s Italian operations, supervising the development of a large scale autophage engine and playing a central role in structuring, growing, and representing Alpha Impulsion as part of a wider European space venture. You will contribute directly to the development of our activities in launcher propulsion and in-space transportation , supporting engine development while ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic vision, operational execution, and long-term industrial roadmap. You will have a real impact towards a clear goal: delivering disruptive, more sustainable and more competitive space propulsion technologies for Europe. Your first project here Alpha Impulsion is accelerating the development of its Italian presence as part of its European growth model. Your first objective will be to support the team towards the first firing of our large scale autophage engine, while consolidating governance, business pipeline and securing strategic funding. Your key responsibilities: As part of your missions, you will be entrusted with the following responsibilities: Support the development of Alpha Impulsion’s newest autophage engine, from Phase A to qualification, achieving performance improvement of launchers and in-space propulsion systems. Collaborate closely with engineering teams (systems, materials, mechanics, propulsion) across the Alpha Impulsion group to support engine design, qualification and commercialisation. Lead Alpha Impulsion Italia’s team, strategy, operations, and legal representation, identifying customers, partners, suppliers, and strategic opportunities in the space and defense ecosystems. Support the preparation, negotiation, and follow-up of national and European funded projects, grants, and industrial collaborations. Oversee budgeting, administrative follow-up, compliance, and performance tracking with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. What we would appreciate most Experience: 5+ years of experience in launch vehicles and rocket engine development, testing and qualification. 5+ years of experience in leadership, management, business development, institutional relations, and strategic partnerships.. Experience in the Italian aerospace or high-technology ecosystem. Skills: Advanced understanding of rocket propulsion, testing and qualification of space systems. Strong leadership, financial awareness, reporting discipline and performance management. Excellent understanding of the Italian industrial, institutional, and innovation landscape. Excellent understanding of R&D-driven technology companies and their scaling challenges. Affinity with entrepreneurial environments and agile ways of working. Professional English and Italian required; French is a strong plus. Why you should join us We are building something that does not exist , a breakthrough in space propulsion based on autophage technology, with teams in France and Italy and a long-term ambition to reshape access to space and orbital mobility in Europe. Joining means having a real impact to build, decide, and influence to future of European space landscape This role offers true ownership. You will shape Alpha Impulsion trajectory, reinforce its place in the Italian ecosystem, and contribute directly to the emergence of a new European space player The company is driven by a strong mission : cleaner, more efficient, and more competitive propulsion solutions for Europe, designed to reduce waste and support a more sustainable future in space. That mission gives meaning to the work and creates a rare opportunity to combine industrial ambition, public impact, and frontier technology in one position. Salary Over 55 k€, with negotiation open depending on candidate experience. Bonus : Meal voucher, team performance bonus, eco-mobility bonus, gift programme, others. Do you thrive on challenge? Try something new and make space for tomorrow. Upload your CV now for rapid connection. Locations Naples Remote status Hybrid