Program Lead Project Manager - PLPM

Program Lead Project Manager (PLPM) – Balloon™
Project Management & Engineering – Institute Itech
Full-time position
On-site (Milan, Italy)
Travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed upon approval
An NDA must be signed

About Institute Itech:
Institute Itech is a private research, development and technological innovation institute based in Italy with an international vision. It was created to transform scientific knowledge, advanced engineering and emerging technologies into concrete solutions for the environment, health, data intelligence, artificial intelligence, urban systems and technological infrastructure.
The company is built on a multidisciplinary vision structured around six pillars:
Education, Technology, Social, Nature, Research and Urban. Through these areas, Institute Itech develops high-impact projects capable of improving quality of life, making cities more sustainable and creating new models of scientific, industrial and social progress.

About Balloon™:
Balloon™ is one of Institute Itech's flagship proprietary projects. It is an environmental aerostat platform composed of a large tethered balloon designed to remain suspended above urban areas, parks, hills, campuses, and strategically selected environmental zones. The system integrates four core functions into a single visible and sustainable infrastructure:  air purification ,  environmental ventilation ,  solar energy production , and  urban climate monitoring .

Balloon™ represents a new generation of smart environmental infrastructure — technically advanced, architecturally distinctive, and deployable across a wide range of urban and peri-urban contexts.

About the Role:

Institute Itech is seeking a technically grounded and operationally rigorous  Program Lead Project Manager  to lead the development and execution of the Balloon™ project from its current research and prototyping phase through to field deployment and operational validation.
The PLPM will serve as the central figure coordinating all technical, engineering, and organizational work streams of the Balloon™ program. The role requires a candidate capable of managing complex, multidisciplinary projects in an R&D-intensive environment, with a strong aeronautical or aerospace engineering background and a hands-on approach to program leadership.

Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Planning
Own the full project lifecycle of Balloon™, from technical development to field deployment
Define and maintain the program roadmap, milestones, deliverables, and KPIs
Coordinate internal teams across engineering, design, research, and operations
Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation plans
Technical Coordination
Oversee the aeronautical and structural engineering aspects of the aerostat platform
Coordinate with specialists in air purification systems, solar energy integration, and environmental sensing
Ensure technical coherence across all subsystems: tethering, envelope, payload, energy, and monitoring
Support the transition from prototype to validated operational unit
Stakeholder & Partner Management
Interface with external suppliers, technology partners, and certification bodies
Coordinate with regulatory and airspace authorities where applicable
Represent the Balloon™ program in internal reviews and external presentations
Documentation & Reporting
Maintain full technical and project documentation in line with Institute Itech's standards
Produce progress reports, risk registers, and milestone briefings for executive leadership
Ensure compliance with applicable engineering, environmental, and safety standards

Requirements:
Minimum  5–7 years of experience  in project or program management within aerospace, aeronautical, or closely related engineering sectors
Solid background in  aeronautical or aerospace engineering  (degree or equivalent professional formation)
Proven experience managing  multidisciplinary R&D or engineering projects
Familiarity with aerostat, lighter-than-air (LTA), or UAV systems is a strong asset
Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills
Experience working with cross-functional teams in a technical environment
Fluent English (mandatory)
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