Project Manager

Syos Aerospace; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Autonomous vehicle tech

4-month contract with potential to go

Awesome professionals

Job summary

SYOS is a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company delivering cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles for dual-use applications. We seek a motivated Project Manager to drive successful execution of R&D projects from concept to prototype, coordinating planning, budgets, and cross-functional teams to deliver on time and within scope.

You will oversee prototyping, testing, risk management, and stakeholder communications, ensuring high quality and regulatory-compliant results while working in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of project management experience in robotics/aerospace hardware.
• Proven track record delivering concepts to prototypes.
• Familiarity with R&D processes and product development lifecycles.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed project plans with timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Coordinate with engineers, scientists, and technicians.
• Manage communications with customers, suppliers, and regulators.
• Oversee prototype development and testing, including data analysis.
• Prepare design specifications, test reports, and progress updates.
• Support airworthiness and safety certification during prototype development.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure documentation for patents and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Risk management

Leadership

Agile methodologies

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics, or related technical field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Asana

Monday.com

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

SYOS is a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company, driving the development of cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles (drones) across air, land, and sea for dual-use applications. We are committed to pushing technological boundaries and delivering exceptional products that consistently exceed customer expectations.

We are seeking a motivated Project Manager to join our growing team. In this role, you will be pivotal in driving the successful execution of innovative projects from concept to prototype. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing R&D projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Responsibilities

Project Planning & Management

• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Monitor project progress and identify potential risks and issues.
• Implement effective project management methodologies as appropriate.

Technical Coordination

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, scientists, and technicians.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration among team members.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project teams.

Stakeholder & External Communication

• Manage communication with customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities.
• Serve as primary point of contact for external stakeholders on project-related matters.
• Coordinate supplier relationships and vendor management activities.

Prototyping & Testing

• Oversee the development and testing of prototypes and experimental systems.
• Ensure that testing procedures are followed and that data is accurately collected and analysed.
• Support airworthiness and safety certification processes during prototype development.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare and maintain detailed project documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and progress updates.
• Present project updates and findings to stakeholders.
• Ensure all necessary documentation for patents and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to security protocols for sensitive and proprietary work.
• Identify and assess potential project risks.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Proactively address project issues and challenges.

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage project budgets and track expenses.
• Ensure efficient utilisation of resources.
• Procurement of parts and materials.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics, or related technical field; advanced degree preferred.
• 3-5+ years of project management experience, preferably in robotics, aerospace, defense, or hardware development.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex technical projects from concept through prototype.
• Strong understanding of R&D processes and product development lifecycles.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or similar project management certification is advantageous.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in aerospace or defense sectors is a plus.
• Experience with airworthiness certification processes and safety standards is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Technical aptitude with ability to understand complex engineering concepts.
• Proficiency with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Asana, Monday.com).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• High integrity and commitment to maintaining confidentiality and security protocols.

Note

• Travel will be required for field testing, customer demos, and meetings with suppliers and regulatory authorities.
• This role requires handling sensitive technical and business information; appropriate security clearances may be required.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and fast-paced environment working on state-of-the-art autonomous vehicle technology.
• A four-month contract with the potential to transition into a permanent full-time position.
• The opportunity to work alongside a team of highly skilled and awesome professionals.