Senior Project Manager

Want to lead projects where software, electronics, optics and mechanical engineering all come together to build something that goes into space?

Our client is a fast-growing University of Cambridge spin-out developing advanced space telescopes for thermal imaging Earth Observation. With a team of around 40, they are small enough that your work is visible and makes a real difference, and ambitious enough that every milestone matters.

They are looking for a hands-on Senior Project Manager to take ownership of complex, multidisciplinary hardware projects from budget to delivery.

• Leading end-to-end delivery of multidisciplinary product development projects across software, electronics, optics and mechanical systems
• Building and managing project budgets across the full product lifecycle (a big part of the role)
• Planning, tracking and driving delivery against milestones, resources and risks
• Reporting to senior leadership and keeping stakeholders and partners aligned
• Spending around 20% of your time improving and standardising how projects are run across the team

• Proven experience leading hardware or integrated hardware and software product development projects
• Confidence building and owning budgets across a full product development lifecycle
• Experience from space, aerospace, automotive, defence, medical devices, instrumentation or a similar product-led industry (space experience is a bonus, not a must)
• A grounding in structured project management such as PRINCE2, APM or Agile
• A hands-on, start-up mindset and the energy to thrive in a milestone-driven environment

• Work on genuinely cutting-edge space technology for Earth Observation
• Shape project processes in a growing business
• A clear route to Head of Projects as the team grows

• Hybrid: 3 days on site, 2 from home (after probation)
• Flexible hours