German Aerospace Center (DLR) – German Space Agency
Listed on Orbital Diplomat 3 Aug 2026
Note: this position is advertised in German (Referent/in Strategie und Programmatik). Native-level German and negotiation-level English are both mandatory. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) hosts the German Space Agency — the central point of contact for the German federal government on all space matters — responsible for developing Germany's national space programme and managing Germany's space activities at European and international level. The Strategy and Industrial Policy Department coordinates cross-cutting strategy development on programmatics and industrial policy, advising the leadership of the German Space Agency and the relevant federal ministries. This Strategy and Programmatics Officer role sits within the core strategy team, producing analyses, concepts, and recommendations on national and international space policy; contributing to the implementation and further development of the German Space Strategy and programme planning; drafting strategy and position papers; supporting the DLR's advisory committees from a programmatic and strategic perspective; processing inter-ministerial requests on the German space programme and European space strategy; and coordinating strategic studies and analyses for decision-making in DLR and federal ministries. For space policy professionals with strong backgrounds in German-language policy analysis and familiarity with German federal structures and European space governance, this is one of the most substantive national space policy roles available in Germany. The post is initially two years fixed-term with the aim of a permanent contract. Security clearance eligibility under the German Security Clearance Act (SÜG) is required.
Completed Master's or Diploma degree in natural or engineering sciences, political or social sciences, business or economics, or equivalent qualification Solid knowledge of political, economic, and societal issues relevant to space policy Excellent analytical and communication skills with ability to present complex issues in an audience-appropriate manner Experience in conceptual work, drafting briefings, and preparing assessments for decision-makers Native-level German written and oral proficiency (mandatory) Negotiation-level English written and oral proficiency (mandatory) Willingness to travel nationally and within Europe Eligibility for security clearance under the German Security Clearance Act (SÜG — §8 ff.) Inquiries to Paul Feddeck: +49 228 447 426