VP of Institutional Relations
Business - Villeneuve, CH
The position
- Crew
- Business
- Location
- Villeneuve, CH
- Type of contract
- Full-time
Your role
Turning this vision into reality requires both engineering strength and institutional backing. PAVE Space is building the relationships needed to support its next phase of development.
As a VP of Institutional Relations, you own the company’s institutional funding strategy. Align the R&D roadmap with European funding opportunities, build credibility with institutions, and secure non-dilutive funding that supports long-term development.
You will own
Work with the board and leadership team to shape the long-term R&D roadmap and translate it into a structured funding plan (ESA, EU, national agencies)
Build and maintain relationships with ESA directorates, national space agencies, and other European stakeholders
Track upcoming calls for proposals and tenders, select relevant opportunities, based on strategic fit rather than volume
Lead the preparation and submission of proposals, ensuring consistency between technical content and funding objectives
Prepare and submit proposals, initially independently and later with a small team
Manage and report on the institutional pipeline, ensuring alignment between funding milestones and company objectives
What we are looking for
10+ years of experience in the space sector
Strong understanding of European Space Agency processes and funding mechanisms
Existing network within ESA or related European institutions
Solid technical background, with the ability to engage on R&D topics
Proven experience in securing large non-dilutive funding (50M+)
Ability to operate independently in an early-stage environment
Background in the launcher ecosystem
Experience working across ESA, EU, and national funding programmes
Experience building or structuring an institutional strategy from scratch
Experience with coordinating internal stakeholders around proposal efforts
Exposure to both technical and commercial aspects of space programmes
You will fit if
You thrive in fast-paced, high-intensity environments with ambitious timelines
You understand how ESA programmes are thought out and awarded in practice
You can connect technical milestones with funding opportunities
You are comfortable starting alone and building structure as you go
You bring both strategic thinking and hands-on execution
You look for non-obvious opportunities and know how to act on them
If you’re ready to tackle this unique and exciting challenge and participate in the development of this new orbital continent, join us at PAVE Space.
We are a fully on-site company, and all roles require daily in-person work at our office in Villeneuve (VD) - Switzerland