Research Manager in Oxford

Research Manager in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 49500 - 60500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Morson Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative research in maritime defence and underwater capability.
  • Company: Join TKMS ATLAS UK, a leader in advanced defence technology.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and exposure to cutting-edge research.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of underwater warfare with top scientists and engineers.
  • Qualifications: STEM degree and strong understanding of maritime defence required.

The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.

TKMS ATLAS UK is seeking a Research Manager to join its Research & Innovation Division, supporting the development of future maritime and underwater defence capability. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of:

  • maritime defence
  • underwater warfare
  • future capability development
  • operational analysis
  • advanced defence research

The role involves close collaboration with:

  • Dstl
  • Navy stakeholders
  • scientists
  • engineers
  • wider defence partners

helping shape early-stage concepts and research into future operational capability.

This is not a traditional sales role. The successful candidate will act as a credible interface between customers and technical teams — identifying opportunities, shaping research concepts, supporting bids, and helping convert emerging ideas into funded programmes and future capability. You’ll work within a highly technical environment alongside scientists, engineers and operational specialists focused on the underwater battlespace and wider maritime defence domain.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Identifying and developing research and innovation opportunities within maritime defence
  • Working closely with Dstl and wider MOD/Navy stakeholders
  • Supporting and leading bid and proposal activity
  • Collaborating with scientists and engineers to develop winning technical solutions
  • Helping shape future underwater and maritime capability concepts
  • Translating operational and customer needs into technically credible solutions
  • Supporting delivery of high-quality research outputs and customer engagement activity
  • Working collaboratively across the business to ensure research activity supports future products and operational capability

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who combines:

  • technical credibility
  • maritime defence understanding
  • stakeholder engagement skills
  • strategic thinking

The ideal candidate will have experience across some combination of:

  • underwater warfare
  • sonar systems
  • maritime combat systems
  • operational analysis
  • defence research
  • capability development
  • systems engineering
  • Navy Command / Dstl / DE&S environments
  • wider maritime defence programmes

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

  • Degree qualified within a STEM-related discipline
  • Strong understanding of the maritime defence environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively with highly technical specialists and stakeholders
  • Experience translating complex technical information into operational or customer-focused outcomes
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Confident working independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams

Highly Desirable

  • Experience within underwater warfare or the underwater battlespace
  • Exposure to Dstl, Navy Command or wider MOD capability environments
  • Experience supporting bids, proposals, capability acquisition or concept development
  • Knowledge of sonar, underwater sensing, systems integration or maritime operational capability

Why Join TKMS ATLAS UK?

TKMS ATLAS UK is a leading provider of advanced maritime and underwater defence technology, supporting critical UK and allied defence capability. You’ll join a collaborative, highly technical environment where your work will contribute directly to the future of underwater and maritime defence capability. The business offers:

  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Full-time, part-time and condensed-hours opportunities
  • Exposure to cutting-edge defence research and innovation
  • A highly specialist and intellectually engaging environment
  • The opportunity to work alongside leading scientists, engineers and operational experts

Location: Dorset Innovation Park, Winfrith, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8ZB. Hybrid working is available, although regular on-site collaboration is expected due to the highly technical and secure nature of the work.

Security Requirements

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC). Willingness to undergo higher levels of clearance may also be required for some programmes.

Salary: Market Related

Contract type: Permanent

Employer: TKMS ATLAS UK

Consultant: Craig Chubb

Research Manager in Oxford employer: Morson Group

As a Senior CATIA Design Engineer, you will join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration in the aerospace sector. With a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance and a culture of mentorship, you will have ample opportunities for professional growth while contributing to cutting-edge landing gear systems for both civil and military aircraft. Our commitment to employee development and the use of advanced technology ensures that you will thrive in a dynamic environment that prioritises excellence and teamwork.

Morson Group

Contact Details:

Morson Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Manager in Oxford

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Research Manager role you’re after at Morson Group.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Morson Group a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Morson Group.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Research Manager at Morson Group, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Manager in Oxford

Research and Innovation
Maritime Defence Understanding
Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Strategic Thinking
Underwater Warfare Knowledge
Sonar Systems Knowledge
Operational Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Research Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Morson Group a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Morson Group specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Group

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Morson Group, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Morson Group want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.