Our client is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced RF, microwave and mmWave technologies, delivering mission-critical systems into aerospace, defence and satellite communications markets.
They are now seeking a Senior Project Manager to take full ownership of complex, high-value programmes across space payloads, defence technologies and satcom systems.
This role sits at the centre of programme delivery, with complete accountability for technical performance, financial outcomes, risk exposure and customer satisfaction. It is ideally suited to a credible, senior leader who is comfortable operating in highly regulated environments and engaging at both the engineering and executive level.
Role Description
You will own the end-to-end delivery of multi-disciplined engineering programmes, from concept and design through to qualification, manufacture and customer acceptance.
Acting as the single point of accountability, you will lead across engineering, supply chain and finance, ensuring programmes are delivered to scope, schedule, cost and quality targets while managing risk and driving commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Own full lifecycle delivery of complex, high-value programmes across space payloads, RF systems and defence applications
- Take full accountability for programme performance, including technical delivery, budget, schedule, quality and risk
- Act as the primary interface for customers, partners and senior stakeholders, maintaining strong and credible relationships
- Lead cross-functional teams across RF engineering, mechanical, software, supply chain, manufacturing and quality
- Drive alignment across engineering, operations and commercial functions to ensure successful programme execution
- Develop and manage robust programme plans covering schedule, cost, resources and risk
- Own programme financials, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, margin and cash flow performance
- Ensure clear programme governance, providing structured reporting and insight at senior leadership and customer level
- Identify, assess and actively manage programme and technical risks, setting appropriate risk strategies and mitigation plans
- Influence decision-making across engineering and commercial teams to balance performance, cost and delivery objectives
- Support bid and capture activity, contributing to technical and commercial proposals and programme planning
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience owning and delivering complex engineering programmes within defence, space or satellite communications environments
- Strong technical grounding, with experience leading multi disciplinary teams across RF, electronics or systems engineering
- Track record delivering RF based systems such as satellite communications, radar, payload RF chains or electronic warfare solutions
- Experience operating within regulated, high assurance environments with structured programme governance
- Demonstrable ownership of programme financials, including forecasting, cost control and delivery against margin targets
- Strong risk management capability, with experience defining and managing risk strategy across programme lifecycles
- Credible senior stakeholder engagement, with the ability to influence at customer and executive level
- Proficiency with project and programme tools such as MS Project, Primavera or Jira
- Working knowledge of recognised methodologies such as PRINCE2, Agile, Waterfall or APMP
- Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance
Desirable
- Experience in Project Engineering Lead or similar technically aligned delivery roles
- Familiarity with space payload qualification processes or defence assurance frameworks
- Experience working on long lifecycle, low volume, high value programmes
This is a high-visibility role within a technically advanced organisation, offering genuine programme ownership across some of the most demanding and complex RF and space-related projects in the UK market.
You will work closely with major defence and space customers, influence programme direction, and lead delivery across engineering, supply chain and commercial functions.