Project Manager Optical Communications

Location: Nash Mills

About Archangel Lightworks Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company building wireless technology. Founded in 2017, we believe that laser communications to and from satellites is a key component of next-generation infrastructure. Our core product, the TERRA-M , is a deployable optical ground station with proven capability for space ground data transfer. Our team develops and operates products that advance the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure.

We value compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership and integrity. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can contribute to novel technology with meaningful applications like reducing the Digital Divide. Archangel Lightworks recently closed over £10 million of investment in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. Our company is also supported by the UK Space Agency, the UKs Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the UK Ministry of Defence.

About the job We are hiring Project Managers to work across several of our optical communication domains. You will oversee internal and external projects, ranging from furthering the R&D activities of our flagship Optical Ground Station, TERRA-M, which will revolutionize space-to-ground communications with lasercom technology, to planning international test campaigns. Your work will directly contribute to the successful delivery of projects that bring cutting-edge laser communication technologies to market, helping to revolutionize global connectivity.

You will work closely with the Programme Manager and Engineering Manager to ensure the successful execution of our development portfolio on time, within scope, and within budget. Your responsibilities will include:
Manage assigned product developments and associated projects to the specified scope, timeline, and budget. This includes supporting and collaborating with the growing PM and Engineering teams to ensure successful delivery. At Archangel Lightworks we succeed together, so collaboration and teamwork are critical to the role. Collaborate with the engineering team to translate technical requirements and work areas into clear project scopes and plans.

Work closely with Technical Leads to ensure that Product Development Plans remain aligned with the backlog of technical tasks; and provide accurate inputs into Programme and Portfolio level controls. Proactively identify and manage project risks, interdependencies, and their impact on timelines and cross-functional work streams. Monitor and control project finances and forecasts; and provide inputs into Programme and Company level financial tracking.

This includes proactive identification of forecast issues for mitigation, and ownership of forecast accuracy. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and customers. Work collaboratively with the PM team to ensure alignment across the development portfolio. Coordinate and participate in formal documentation review and change control processes. Requirements :
Demonstrable full-lifecycle product development experience in Hardware and/or Software within an R&D-heavy organisation, preferably deep tech or space sector. Familiarity with stage-gate development processes and product development cycles, from R&D through to production handover. Stakeholder management of commercial and quasi-governmental organisations e.g. Innovate UK, UKSA, ESA; both as suppliers and customers.

Experience with control of project finances from development forecasts to claim & audit processes with public funding bodies. Qualification/accreditation in project management. Equivalent extensive and relevant project management experience; or completion of a recognized project management apprenticeship supplemented by relevant industry experience will also be considered. Desirable additional skills One or more will be highly beneficial, in addition to the above minimum criteria:

Experience with in a start-up/scale-up environment, including managing resource and project priorities in a constrained environment. Domain knowledge in ground segment, satellite systems,…