Head of Product Development (w/m/d)

As Head of at Yuri you lead and develop your functional area, ensuring effective execution, clear structures, and scalable processes. You build and guide high-performing teams, align priorities across stakeholders, and translate strategy into reliable outcomes.

As our Head of Product Development you lead the engineering teams across the different sites of Yuri (Germany, Luxembourg, US) and report directly to the Chief Technology Officer. You are responsible for ensuring the technical success of projects by implementing and upholding best practices from the NASA Systems Engineering Handbook and ECSS standards within the team with a focus on the development stages (Phase 0 to C) of the project portfolio.
 

• 5+ years of experience in similar roles (INCOSE certification is a plus).
• Broad and deep interdisciplinary knowledge across mechanical, thermal, electrical, software and AIT domains.
• A deeper Software Engineering Background is considered highly beneficial
• Experience leading, guiding and developing engineering teams of ~20 people.
• Ability to identify synergies and cost-saving opportunities across projects and systems.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, requirements management, verification, testing and product development lifecycles.
• Ability to lead through technical uncertainty and make transparent engineering trade-offs. 
• Experience in design, AIT and PA/Safety in human spaceflight, including familiarity with space program roles, standards (e.g. ECSS, SSP) and configuration control is beneficial.
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills; supportive, well-organized and able to work independently.
• Structured working style with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deliver reliably.
• Excellent English; German is very helpful.
• Willing to stay hands-on and contribute operationally alongside leadership responsibilities.

Why this role matters
​Yuri’s next growth step depends on engineering that is not only brilliant, but scalable. You will shape the team and systems that make Yuri’s platforms repeatable, reliable and commercially powerful.

Space & Biotech

• Is there anything more exciting than the intersection of space and biotechnology?
  You'll be working - directly or indirectly - on projects that are sent to the International Space Station and other space platforms.

Flexible Work

• We offer a flexible work environment with adjustable working hours and the option to work from home.

Location: Germany

• Our office is located in one of the most beautiful regions in Europe - right by Lake Constance, with the Alps just under an hour away for hiking or skiing.
  You'll feel right at home in our cozy 600 m² loft office, complete with a spacious kitchen, foosball table, spikeball, and a well-stocked beer fridge (yes, beer and coffee are on us!).
  Weekly team cooking sessions and regular team events add some extra variety to your work life.

Technology That Fits You

• Whether you're Team Mac or Team Windows, we'll help you find your perfect setup.
  And because modern technology also means sustainable mobility for us, you can charge your e-car, e-bike, or e-scooter for free at our office in Meckenbeuren.

Diversity & Inclusion

• We care about each other and believe that a great workplace reflects the diversity of the world we live in.
  We value what makes you unique - your gender, background, sexuality, religion, or even your (secret) dislike of pineapple on pizza.

Sustainability & Impact

• We offset the emissions from our rocket launches, business travel, and all other activities. On top of that, we also offset the private emissions of every team member.
  You'll get one Impact Day per year to dedicate to social or environmental causes - whether that's joining a climate protest or volunteering your time for a good cause.