Project Manager (Engineering)

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology provider is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee innovative projects in autonomous optics and defense systems. This role involves leading engineering teams, managing deadlines, and driving technical solutions while ensuring quality and effective communication within high-performance teams.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Free breakfast and lunch

Pension scheme (up to 4% matched contribution)

Death in benefit cover

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex engineering projects.
• Strong internal and external communication skills.
• Ability to manage project budgets and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver project goals.
• Manage project risks and documentation.
• Ensure alignment and trust across projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Problem solving

Communication skills

Ability to prioritize

Adaptability

Job description

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We're looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead a portfolio of innovative, real world projects across Research and Development and bespoke customer delivery. You’ll be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, working in a multidisciplinary engineering environment that values curiosity, ownership and impact.

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

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.

• Happy to consider a salary from £55K onwards (depending upon relevant experience)

• Performance related bonus

• Free breakfast and a free freshly cooked lunch plus bottomless coffee!

• Death in benefit cover to protect those close to you

• 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, your top priorities will be to build strong, collaborative relationships 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

• Handling customer communication where required

What we’re looking for:

• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality in everything you do

• 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