At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage exciting engineering projects from start to finish, ensuring top-notch quality and compliance.
- Company: Join Solsta, a leader in advanced optoelectronic and photonic systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension plans, and profit-sharing opportunities.
- Other info: Clear pathway to Programme Manager with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that shape the future of biomedical and defence technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for engineering are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Weymouth
Salary: Competitive
Job Type: Permanent
About Us
Solsta’s Design & Manufacturing Division specialises in the development and production of advanced optoelectronic and photonic systems for biomedical and diagnostic instrumentation, defence electro‑optical applications, and laser rangefinder (LRF) technologies. We partner with OEMs across the UK, Europe, and North America to design, prototype, validate, and manufacture complex assemblies that demand precision, reliability, and deep technical understanding. Our capabilities span optoelectronic module design, sensor integration, laser systems, optical packaging, and full NPD/NPI execution under ISO13485‑aligned processes. Customers rely on us to translate challenging technical requirements into manufacturable, high‑performance solutions. Solsta is also a major distributor of electronic components and systems, giving the wider Group a strong market presence. However, the Design & Manufacturing Division operates a distinct commercial and technical model, focused on customer‑funded development programmes rather than catalogue‑based distribution. You will be joining this specialist engineering‑led division, working closely with customers developing next‑generation biomedical devices, diagnostic platforms, defence systems, and LRF technologies.
The Role
Reporting to the Commercial Manager – Manufacturing, you will manage a portfolio of customer‑funded design projects within Solsta’s Design & Manufacturing Division. You will ensure structured, compliant, and efficient delivery of projects through the full lifecycle, maintaining governance of the ISO13485‑aligned NPD/NPI process in collaboration with the Chief Engineer. You will coordinate cross‑functional engineering teams, manage risks, maintain project discipline, and ensure smooth transition into manufacturing. This role is essential to enabling the Commercial Manager to focus on commercial strategy and business growth. As the division expands, this role offers a clear pathway to Programme Manager, with responsibility for multi‑project oversight, resource planning, and portfolio‑level governance.
Key Responsibilities
- Project and Programme Delivery
- Manage the full project lifecycle from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to schedule, budget, scope, and quality requirements.
- Maintain and enforce the ISO13485‑aligned NPD and NPI processes, ensuring all projects follow defined design controls, documentation standards, and stage‑gate requirements.
- Lead project planning activities, including scope definition, scheduling, resource planning, and risk management.
- Monitor progress, identify risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain delivery performance.
- Provide clear, structured reporting to the Commercial Manager and senior stakeholders, including KPIs, risks, dependencies, and recommendations.
- Technical Coordination
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams (design, electronics, mechanical, manufacturing, quality, supply chain) to ensure effective communication and seamless project execution.
- Support technical reviews, validation activities, and readiness assessments prior to release into manufacturing.
- Ensure all project documentation meets ISO13485, internal quality procedures, and customer expectations.
- Influence engineering teams to maintain momentum and deliverables without performing engineering tasks directly.
- Programme Management & Prioritisation
- Work with the Commercial Manager to prioritise the project portfolio, balancing resources across concurrent projects.
- Maintain programme‑level visibility of capacity, dependencies, and constraints.
- Support continuous improvement of project governance, reporting, and PMO‑style processes.
- Act as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, managing expectations and building strong relationships.
- Support customer‑funded development activities, ensuring commercial and technical requirements are clearly understood and delivered.
- Provide structured updates to customers where required.
- Represent Solsta D&M professionally at customer sites, reviews, and technical meetings.
Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Proven track record delivering complex engineering projects on time, within budget, and to defined quality standards.
- Strong understanding of structured project management methodologies and tools.
- Experience working within regulated industries (defence, biotech, medical, aerospace) highly desirable.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple concurrent projects.
- Comfortable operating autonomously, managing time, priorities, and stakeholder expectations with minimal supervision.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and influencing progress in situations where not everyone moves at the same pace. Able to maintain a constructive, solutions focused approach when faced with resistance or competing priorities.
- Desirable
- Experience with ISO13485, defence standards, or other regulated quality systems.
- Familiarity with optoelectronics, photonics, biomedical instrumentation, or defence electro‑optical systems.
- Experience with DFM, validation, and manufacturing transfer processes.
- Eligibility for UK security clearance (BPSS or higher) advantageous.
Benefits For You
- EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- 26 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays + More For Length of Service
- Pensions Plan
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Profit Share Scheme
- All Employee Share Plan
We are an equal opportunity employer fostering an inclusive recruitment experience for all candidates.
Project Manager (Leading to Programme Manager) in Weymouth employer: Solid State PLC
Solid State PLC is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets dedication in the Defence & Secure Communications sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide extensive benefits including 26 days of annual leave, fostering a culture that values collaboration and meaningful contributions to national security. Join us in the UK, where your expertise will not only be recognised but also rewarded as you build impactful relationships with defence customers and government partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Leading to Programme Manager) in Weymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to show them why you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it relates to the role of Project Manager. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail down your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to make it personal and memorable.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Leading to Programme Manager) in Weymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with project lifecycles, ISO13485 processes, and any relevant engineering projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience in regulated industries if you have it – it’s a big plus for us!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, make sure to highlight your communication and stakeholder management skills. We love candidates who can influence and lead without direct authority, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solid State PLC
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the results you achieved. This will show your potential employer that you have the experience and problem-solving skills they’re looking for.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ISO13485
Since this role involves maintaining ISO13485-aligned processes, it’s crucial to brush up on your knowledge of these standards. Be prepared to explain how you’ve applied similar quality management systems in your previous roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to adhere to regulatory requirements.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Project Manager, you'll need to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder expectations. Practice articulating your communication style and provide examples of how you've successfully influenced teams or stakeholders in the past. This will highlight your interpersonal skills, which are key for this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your project management skills. Think about how you would handle common project challenges, such as managing tight deadlines or resolving conflicts within a team. Having structured responses ready will help you convey your thought process and decision-making abilities effectively.
