Job Description

We're looking for an experienced, engineering-degree-qualified Project Manager to lead an engineering team to deliver projects across product development and R&D. You'll be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, developing complex electro-mechanical assemblies based in Prudhoe near Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The successful candidate will be as comfortable briefing senior end-users within the defence community as well as rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in prototyping.

Your work will play a vital role in protecting the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

OpenWorks Engineering develop CUAS, Air Defence and Optical Surveillance, Sensing and Tracking Technology for Defence and Security.

We've developed an award winning and innovative drone capture and autonomous optical detection and tracking technology. The systems offer the capability to protect high profile assets, facilities, the public and VIPs from the threats posed by Aerial threats.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

Our benefits:

Happy to consider a salary from 65K or more (depending upon relevant experience) Performance related bonus 25 days holiday plus public holidays (+ long-service bonus days) Free breakfast and a free freshly cooked lunch by our on-site Chef and team Private health care insurance Death in benefit cover to protect those close to you EV car scheme Pension scheme (up to 4% matched contribution) A high-energy and dynamic work environment, based in the beautiful Northumberland countryside A positive company culture - we enable change, encourage challenge and demonstrate commitment

Main responsibilities:

As a Project Manager, you will use your strong academic engineering background to fully understand the project requirements and system design to engage collaboratively with Principal Engineers and the wider engineering team, ensuring alignment and trust across projects.

You'll take ownership of leading complex engineering design projects, driving them from concept through to delivery. To succeed, you'll also develop a deep technical understanding of our autonomous optics products, enabling you to make informed decisions and guide your team effectively.

This role is predominantly on-site, offering flexible working based on project needs and hands on requirements.

You'll be:

Leading a multidisciplinary team within engineering to deliver project goals Work alongside Systems Engineers to define project detail Working to project deadlines Managing project budgets Working to technical requirements specifications Identifying project risks and mitigation strategies Preparing and updating project documentation Progress reporting Handling customer communication where required

What we're looking for:

High attention to detail and a commitment to quality in everything you do Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline Experience delivering and leading a team in engineering or product development projects (e.g. mechanical, electrical, defence or R&D-based) of complex electro-mechanical assemblies. Experience managing engineering design budgets Excellent time and task management skills Comfortable navigating ambiguity and adapting to change Strong ability to prioritise effectively and delegate tasks under pressure Creative and practical problem solving skills A proactive mindset with a strong sense of ownership Confident in identifying and mitigating technical risks Strong internal and external communication skills

What you'll get:

Autonomy to lead diverse project teams across real world tech challenges Opportunity to help shape ground breaking autonomous optics products Meaningful and technically complex problems with tangible impact Exposure to international settings and cutting edge applications A culture that rewards initiative, curiosity and ownership
As a small, high-performance team (with approx 60 people), we offer the opportunity for a professional to have autonomy and responsibility. You'll directly see the impact of your efforts.

More about us:

Vision

Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

Mission

Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence

Values

Be a Good Egg:

Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest

Do cool stuff:

We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done

Be empowered:

We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility

We are one team:

Look out for each other and the team

Things go wrong:

Fail fast, learn and move on

Have fun:

We're doing amazing things with passionate people

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 65,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme
Benefits:

Canteen Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Free parking Life insurance On-site parking Private medical insurance
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Will you now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status? What are your salary expectations? This role is based full time in our office located near Newcastle (UK), do you need to relocate for this position if successful (UK in-country relocation only) Do you have an engineering related degree and relevant project management experience? If not, sadly we do not recommend you continue this application
Work Location: In person