Program Lead Project Manager (PLPM) – BalloonTM
- 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 BalloonTM:
BalloonTM 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. BalloonTM 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 BalloonTM 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 BalloonTM 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 BalloonTM, 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 BalloonTM 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)
- Fluent Italian (preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with tethered aerial systems, stratospheric platforms, or atmospheric sensing technologies
- Knowledge of environmental monitoring systems, solar energy integration, or air quality technologies
- Familiarity with airspace regulatory frameworks (ENAC, EASA, or equivalent)
- Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent)
- Experience in technology transfer from R&D to field deployment
- Interest or background in urban sustainability and environmental innovation
Benefits Provided
- Central leadership role on one of Institute Itech's most innovative and visible proprietary projects
- Direct collaboration with executive leadership and a multidisciplinary engineering team
- Opportunity to lead a program from prototyping through to real-world deployment
- Growth path toward Head of BalloonTM Program or Senior Program Director
- Work environment at the intersection of aerospace engineering, environmental technology, and urban innovation
- Reimbursement 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:
- CV
- Cover Letter (mandatory) including: Your experience in aerospace or aeronautical engineering and program management
- Any relevant exposure to lighter-than-air systems, environmental technologies, or R&D project leadership
- Your approach to managing complex, multidisciplinary technical programs
E-mail: in.oiap2026@externals.iite.eu
Subject: WE2026 Job Application [IT009200] – PLPM BalloonTM – [Name Surname]
