Senior Project Manager

Job Title: Head of Programmes / Head of Projects

Overview:The company is seeking an experienced Head of Programmes / Head of Projects to lead its technological development efforts, focusing on managing projects and systems engineering. This key leadership position, which reports directly to the CTO and supports the CEO, is pivotal to the success of the UK subsidiary, responsible for driving a range of space-related programmes.

The successful candidate will take the lead on a number of complex projects, overseeing the development of hardware and technologies for applications such as deep-space exploration, lunar surface missions, high-precision Earth observation, robotics, ISRU, and IOS missions. The role will involve managing project timelines from conception to the delivery of functional models, over a period of 2-7 years. The role is based full-time at the company’s new facility, which includes state-of-the-art MAIT (Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, and Testing) resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, including Mechanical, Design, MAIT, Electronic, Project, Quality, and Analysis engineers.
• Conduct trade-off studies to determine optimal system architectures and design solutions.
• Develop and define system architectures, including mechanical, electrical, and fluidic designs, based on detailed technical specifications.
• Oversee systems engineering and design processes to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards, specifically compliance with EN9100 and ECSS, which are essential requirements for this role.
• Manage project delivery, ensuring projects are completed within agreed timelines and budgets. This includes resource planning in conjunction with the Head of Operations and close collaboration with the CTO and the broader technical team.
• Act as the primary liaison with key industry stakeholders, including space primes and space agencies.
• Provide leadership and guidance to teams, managing engineers from project, mechanical, design, manufacturing, and analysis disciplines.
• Drive the advancement of system and component Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
• Create and implement development and verification strategies, preparing essential documentation such as design, verification, and test plans, as well as design reports and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Support the Business Development team with technical input for bids, proposals, and new project opportunities.
• Oversee the complete product development cycle, from initial design through to fabrication, integration, and testing.

Essential Requirements:

• Project Management Expertise: A relevant project management certification and a track record of delivering projects in the space sector.
• Educational Qualifications: A minimum of a 2:1 Master’s degree or higher in Engineering, Science, or Mathematics.
• Experience: At least 3 years’ experience in a Project Manager or Lead System Engineer role within the space industry. Experience outside of the space sector will not be considered.
• Standards and Compliance: Thorough knowledge of ESA’s ECSS standards for space systems and project management is a non-negotiable requirement, and familiarity with EN9100 processes will be advantageous.
• Communication Skills: Strong ability to communicate with technical clients, stakeholders, and colleagues to manage requirements, resolve issues, and produce high-quality documentation.
• Multitasking Ability: Comfortable managing several projects simultaneously, with the ability to deliver under tight deadlines.
• Technical Competence: Strong skills in technical writing and excellent communication with both internal and external teams.
• Leadership and Initiative: Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects independently, and ensure successful project outcomes.

Desired Qualifications:

• Additional experience or qualifications related to space mission technologies and systems engineering would be highly regarded, particularly where it enhances the candidate’s ability to lead large, complex space projects effectively.