Project Manager (Engineering projects in Defence) x2

National Composites Centre; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK engineering organization is seeking a Project Manager to oversee multiple high-impact engineering projects in Bristol. The role involves managing project lifecycles, stakeholder engagement, and technical contributions. Candidates should have proven project management experience preferably in sectors such as aerospace or defence. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working arrangements, and a commitment to professional development.

Benefits

Annual salary reviews

Company paid private medical insurance

Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution

Qualifications

• Proven track record working as a project manager or project engineer.
• Sector experience in research & development, innovation, defence, nuclear, aerospace or engineering.
• Ability to undergo government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Control scope, schedule, cost, and risk across the project lifecycle.
• Convert technical statements of work into credible resource-loaded schedules.
• Run structured reviews and provide transparent progress reports.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder negotiation

Risk management

Engineering or composites background

Job description

Project Manager (Engineering projects in Defence) x2

Two positions available.

Location: Bristol based with Hybrid working (2-3 days on site).

Salary: £39,878 to £47,752 per annum plus 12.5% employer pension & private medical insurance.

Security Clearance Required: You will be required to undertake government security clearance if successful securing this role.

Advert end date: 17th December 2025 – we reserve the right to withdraw the advert early if required.

Summary

As demand grows, we are expanding our Defence team and need two further Project Managers to keep multiple high-impact projects on time, on cost and on vision. If you enjoy steering complex engineering & technology programmes, influencing senior stakeholders, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of UK defence innovation.

NCC is accelerating the adoption of advanced materials, digital engineering and process innovation. Located at the heart of the UK’s largest defence cluster, we work with MOD, prime contractors and SMEs to turn cutting‑edge research into deployable capability at pace.

Reporting to the Advanced Technology Programme Lead – Defence, you’ll lead a range of small to medium sized projects, with varying complexity, focused on Engineering Technology (not IT) innovation within Aerospace, Submarine and other defence applications.

Specifically you'll focus on the following activities

• Own delivery – control scope, schedule, cost and risk across the full six‑phase lifecycle – from initiation to closure – using NCC’s project management framework.
• Plan with rigour – convert technical statements of work into credible resource‑loaded schedules, align internal specialists and external partners, and maintain live plans for both active and pipeline projects.
• Lead the team – give every team member clarity on tasks and booking codes; track effort in real time; and foster a culture where knowledge‑sharing and proactive risk management thrive.
• Be the customer’s go‑to – run structured reviews, provide transparent progress reports and build long‑term relationships based on delivery excellence.
• Generate tomorrow’s work – gather market and programme intelligence, spot adjacent opportunities, brief internal stakeholders on emerging needs, and feed accurate data into our CRM so that pursuit strategies are evidence‑led.
• Stay close to the action – conduct site visits to customer facilities and supplier premises to validate progress, resolve issues and unearth new collaboration avenues.
• Add technical value – while this is a delivery role, a sound engineering or composites background will enable you to challenge assumptions, problem‑solve in design reviews and translate customer aspirations into workable plans.

What are we looking for in your application?

• Proven track record working as a project manager or project engineer.
• Sector experience in research & development, innovation, defence, nuclear, aerospace or engineering.
• Highly desirable would be experience of aerospace, submarine, composites, or digital engineering related project experience.
• Ability and willingness to undergo government security clearance.
• Familiarity with gated life‑cycle governance, risk and opportunity management, and stakeholder negotiation.
• Evidence of identifying and helping secure follow‑on work, authoring winning bids or proposals.

What we do

We help manufacturers take on bigger challenges – whether that is building cleaner aircraft, scaling up offshore wind, or strengthening the UK’s supply chains. We are here to deliver practical outcomes, not prototypes that sit on shelves.

Who we work with

We work across 16 sectors, from defence and energy to infrastructure and space. Some projects are with global tier 1s, others with small UK firms solving one specific problem. The works always varied, and always real.

What it’s like here

We are not a startup or a corporate entity. We are a national centre with the kit, time and people to do the job properly. The teams are focused, the thinking is sharp, and you will be trusted to get on with it.

Why this job matters

This role is not just internal support. It is delivering nationally important work. If we do our job right, the UK’s manufacturers can do theirs better.

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working patterns as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.