Descrizione:
Program Lead Project Manager (PLPM) – Balloon™Project Management & Engineering – Institute ItechFull-time positionOn-site (Milan, Italy)Travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed upon approvalAn 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 workstreams 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 & PlanningOwn the full project lifecycle of Balloon™, from technical development to field deploymentDefine and maintain the program roadmap, milestones, deliverables, and KPIsCoordinate internal teams across engineering, design, research, and operationsManage project timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation plansTechnical CoordinationOversee the aeronautical and structural engineering aspects of the aerostat platformCoordinate with specialists in air purification systems, solar energy integration, and environmental sensingEnsure technical coherence across all subsystems: tethering, envelope, payload, energy, and monitoringSupport the transition from prototype to validated operational unitStakeholder & Partner ManagementInterface with external suppliers, technology partners, and certification bodiesCoordinate with regulatory and airspace authorities where applicableRepresent the Balloon™ program in internal reviews and external presentationsDocumentation & ReportingMaintain full technical and project documentation in line with Institute Itech's standardsProduce progress reports, risk registers, and milestone briefings for executive leadershipEnsure 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 sectorsSolid background in
aeronautical or aerospace engineering
(degree or equivalent professional formation)Proven experience managing
multidisciplinary R&D or engineering projectsFamiliarity with aerostat, lighter-than-air (LTA), or UAV systems is a strong assetStrong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skillsExperience working with cross-functional teams in a technical environmentFluent English (mandatory)Fluent Italian (preferred)
Preferred QualificationsExperience with tethered aerial systems, stratospheric platforms, or atmospheric sensing technologiesKnowledge of environmental monitoring systems, solar energy integration, or air quality technologiesFamiliarity with airspace regulatory frameworks (ENAC, EASA, or equivalent)Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent)Experience in technology transfer from R&D to field deploymentInterest or background in urban sustainability and environmental innovation
Benefits ProvidedCentral leadership role on one of Institute Itech's most innovative and visible proprietary projectsDirect collaboration with executive leadership and a multidisciplinary engineering teamOpportunity to lead a program from prototyping through to real-world deploymentGrowth path toward Head of Balloon™ Program or Senior Program DirectorWork environment at the intersection of aerospace engineering, environmental technology, and urban innovationReimbursement of approved travel and project-related expenses
Compensation:Annual Gross Salary:
€54,000 – €74,000
, depending on experience and technical profile.Additional performance-based incentives may be provided based on project milestones achieved.
How to Apply:Important: applications including a detailed description of relevant engineering or program management experience will be given stronger consideration during the selection process.
Please send:CVCover Letter (mandatory) including: Your experience in aerospace or aeronautical engineering and program managementAny relevant exposure to lighter-than-air systems, environmental technologies, or R&D project leadershipYour approach to managing complex, multidisciplinary technical programs
E-mail: [email protected]:
WE2026 Job Application [IT009200] – PLPM Balloon™ – [Name Surname]