Strategic Project Manager: Space Laser Communications in Oxford

Archangel Lightworks is a connectivity company building wireless technology to create the space-enabled networks of the future. We’re passionate about improving humanity’s communications infrastructure and solving some of Earth’s most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can make your mark as part of a growing team and work on the cutting‑edge of innovation.

Responsibilities

• As Project Manager, you will oversee internal and external projects, ranging from furthering the R&D activities of our flagship Optical Ground Station, TERRA‑M, which will revolutionise 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 revolutionise 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.
• Manage assigned projects to the specified scope, timeline, and cost, while handling expectations and scope changes as required.
• 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.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and customers (e.g. ESA, IUK).
• Work collaboratively with the PM team to ensure alignment across the development portfolio.
• Contribute to the development of project management tools and processes for the growing PM team.
• Coordinate and participate in formal documentation review and change control processes.

Requirements

• Proven, demonstrable experience successfully delivering projects within a technical engineering or scientific environment, with excellent control and understanding of project finances and their inputs into company‑wide financial management.
• Stakeholder management of quasi‑governmental organisations and aerospace primes e.g. Innovate UK, UKSA, ESA.
• Familiarity with stage‑gate development processes and product development cycles.
• Qualification/accreditation in project management. Equivalent extensive and relevant project management experience; or completion of a recognised project management apprenticeship supplemented by relevant industry experience will also be considered.

Desirable additional skills

• Domain knowledge in satellite systems, laser communication technology, or optical engineering.
• Experience working in an engineering agile environment.
• Experience managing and delivering activities in one or more of the following areas: Trial/test campaign management e.g. space, aerospace testing.
• Full lifecycle product development in Hardware and/or Software within a scientific or engineering environment.
• Transferring R&D to a production and manufacturing environment.
• Developing complex optical products.
• Bid writing skills, especially for grant‑funded projects (e.g. Innovate UK, ESA).
• Change management experience in scaling tools and processes within a fast‑growing organisation.

Location

Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. There will be opportunity to work from home as agreed with your line manager.

Compensation & Perks

• The opportunity to make a difference building cutting‑edge technology to support a world‑changing vision.
• Options for hybrid working and custom arrangements that matter to you.
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays.
• Equity options in a growing start‑up.
• Investment in you to help you grow, with training resources and budget.
• Supportive team culture with high levels of ownership and responsibility.
• Annual team retreat, regular socials and weekly team lunch.
• Variety of additional perks including learning and wellbeing app subscriptions.