Project Manager 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

• Oversee internal and external projects, ranging from furthering the R&D activities of our flagship Optical Ground Station, TERRA-M, which will revolutionize space-to-ground communications with lasercom technology, to planning international test campaigns.
• Manage assigned projects to the specified scope, timeline, and cost, while handling expectations and scope changes as required.
• Support and collaborate with the growing PM and Engineering teams to ensure successful delivery and, when appropriate, raise and resolve interdependent issues.
• 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 or equivalent extensive and relevant project management experience.

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 trial/test campaign management, full lifecycle product development in Hardware and/or Software, transferring R&D to a production and manufacturing environment, and developing complex optical products.
• Bid writing skills, especially for grant-funded projects.
• 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.