Project Manager

SYOS Aerospace; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SYOS Aerospace is seeking a Project Manager to deliver complex engineering and R&D projects that turn ambitious ideas into proven, real-world capability. You will lead cross-functional teams of engineers, software developers and manufacturing staff from concept through prototype, testing and deployment.

In this hands-on role, you will coordinate schedules, budgets and risks, act as the link between technical teams, customers and delivery partners, and drive governance and documentation

Qualifications

• Proven project management experience within engineering, technology, manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, defence or similar technical environments.
• Track record of delivering complex projects from concept through implementation, testing or deployment.
• Strong understanding of project delivery methodologies and product development lifecycles.
• Excellent planning, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing budgets, timelines, risks and competing priorities.
• Ability to work with technical teams and understand complex engineering concepts.
• Experience using project management tools such as Jira, MS Project, Asana, Monday.com or similar.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of complex engineering and R&D projects from concept through to prototype and testing.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, and technical disciplines to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, resources, and priorities while maintaining visibility of risks and dependencies.
• Act as a key liaison between internal teams, customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• Support prototype development, testing programmed and certification activities, ensuring projects meet quality, safety and compliance requirements.
• Drive effective project reporting, governance, and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Proactively identify risks, remove roadblocks, and solve problems before they impact delivery.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance how we plan, deliver and scale projects across SYOS.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Planning & scheduling

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical understanding

Education

Engineering/Aerospace/Robotics degree

PM Certification (PMP/PRINCE2)

Tools

Jira

MS Project

Asana

Monday.com

Job description

Working at SYOS

At SYOS, we are building technology that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible across air, land, and sea. From advanced autonomous aircraft to next-generation robotic systems and maritime platforms, our team designs, builds and tests innovative uncrewed platforms that solve complex real-world challenges. As a New Zealand-born company with global ambitions, we are growing quickly and working on projects that combine engineering excellence, experimentation, and purpose.

Working at SYOS

At SYOS, we are building technology that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible across air, land, and sea. From advanced autonomous aircraft to next-generation robotic systems and maritime platforms, our team designs, builds and tests innovative uncrewed platforms that solve complex real-world challenges. As a New Zealand-born company with global ambitions, we are growing quickly and working on projects that combine engineering excellence, experimentation, and purpose. We move quickly from idea to prototype, testing and delivery, working closely with customers, operators and technical specialists to create scalable, accessible and cost-effective capability. As a New Zealand-born company with global ambitions, SYOS offers the chance to be part of a fast-moving team where engineering, experimentation and purpose come together.

About The Role

We're looking for a Project Manager to help deliver complex engineering and R&D projects that turn ambitious ideas into proven, real-world capability.

Working alongside engineers, software developers, manufacturing teams and subject matter experts, you'll lead complex engineering and R&D projects from concept through to prototype, testing and deployment. Acting as the link between technical teams, stakeholders, customers and delivery partners, you'll bring structure, clarity and pace to projects that solve real-world challenges.

This is a hands-on delivery role in a fast-moving technical environment. You may be coordinating prototype builds, supporting field trials, managing suppliers, engaging with customers and regulators, or helping multidisciplinary teams work through technical and operational roadblocks to keep delivery moving.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead the planning and delivery of complex engineering and R&D projects from concept through to prototype and testing.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, and technical disciplines to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, resources, and priorities while maintaining visibility of risks and dependencies.
• Act as a key liaison between internal teams, customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• Support prototype development, testing programmed and certification activities, ensuring projects meet quality, safety and compliance requirements.
• Drive effective project reporting, governance, and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Proactively identify risks, remove roadblocks, and solve problems before they impact delivery.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance how we plan, deliver and scale projects across SYOS.

About You

You're a highly organised and proactive Project Manager who enjoys working in technical environments and partnering with experts to deliver innovative outcomes.

You know how to balance the big picture with the finer details, build credibility with stakeholders, and keep momentum when priorities shift.

You'll Bring

• Proven project management experience within engineering, technology, manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, defence or similar technical environments.
• A track record of delivering complex projects from concept through implementation, testing or deployment.
• Strong understanding of project delivery methodologies and product development lifecycles.
• Excellent planning, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing budgets, timelines, risks and competing priorities.
• The ability to work effectively with technical teams and understand complex engineering concepts.
• Experience using project management tools such as Jira, MS Project, Asana, Monday.com or similar.
• A solutions-focused mindset, sound judgement and a high level of professionalism.

Nice to Have

• A degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics or a related discipline.
• Experience within aerospace, defence, autonomous systems or R&D environments.
• PMP, PRINCE2 or other project management qualifications.
• Exposureto certification, regulatory or safety compliance frameworks. This role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced and evolving environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and wants to play a key role in bringing cutting-edge technology to life.

Why Join SYOS?

This is an opportunity to join a company experiencing significant growth and work on technology at the forefront of autonomous systems.

In Return, You'll Enjoy

• Meaningful work with real-world impact.
• Exposure innovative robotics, aerospace, and autonomous technologies.
• A high-performing team of talented engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers.
• Real ownership, autonomy, and influence.
• The opportunity to help shape both our products and our future.

If you're ready to take ownership of exciting technical projects and contribute to the next generation of autonomous technology, we'd love to hear from you.