At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in space technology and manage multi-million pound programmes.
- Company: Join Space Solar, a pioneering company in solar power technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic start-up environment with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of space innovation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and a background in engineering or science.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
As a Programme Manager at Space Solar, you are the architect of our delivery engine and the guardian of our technical evolution. We are looking for awesome technical leaders who are first and foremost builders and inquisitive doers. This is a unique opportunity to lead a series of multi £M projects that bridge the gap between "what if" and "here it is." We are hiring for multiple roles across two primary focus areas: Delivery (focused on our products, in-orbit demonstrations flying in two years, and manufacturing scale-up) and Creation (focused on concept design, technology development, and pioneering new innovations). Whether you are a seasoned Programme Manager or a high-impact Delivery Manager, we want you if you have the grit to get your hands dirty. You will own the project lifecycle, connecting technical brilliance to hard-headed business goals while ensuring our engineers have the space to do their best work.
What you will be doing
- Delivery and Scale: Leading the execution of our in-orbit demonstrator missions and the industrialisation path for our modular spacecraft to ensure we can manufacture at a disruptive low cost.
- Concept and Creation: Driving the early-stage design and technology development projects that will define the next generation of Space Based Solar Power.
- Agile Programme Leadership: Evolving project plans to balance high ambition with calculated risk: ensuring we deliver on milestone commitments to provide total confidence to our investors.
- RAIDO and Opportunity Management: Proactively managing Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies, and Opportunities to keep the programme moving at pace.
- Financial and Contractual Ownership: Handling project finances and complex contracts in close collaboration with the CFO to ensure every pound advances the mission.
- PMO Architecture: Helping to shape a "right-sized" Project Management Office that provides rigour where it counts but stays light and flexible during the early R&D phases.
- Stakeholder Integration: Acting as the central point of truth for Engineering, Procurement, and Production teams while managing relationships with external partners.
- Resource Coordination: Working with technical leads to ensure projects are appropriately resourced and that roadblocks are cleared before they impact the schedule.
What you will bring to the team
- The Space Solar Mindset: We are looking for leaders who are inquisitive doers. Whether you are a master of complex delivery or a visionary in technology development, if you know how to lead a team to a successful finish line, you belong here. We value talent and drive over a perfect checklist.
- Proven Delivery Track Record: Extensive experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering or technology programmes through the full product lifecycle.
- Technical Intuition: You likely have a background in engineering or science, or you have spent enough time in the weeds of complex hardware to speak the language fluently.
- Start-up Grit: Comfort working in an environment where precedents may not exist: you are happy to create the process as you go.
- Hands-On Leadership: You don't just manage from a distance. You are happy to get stuck into the detail of a work package or a sub-contract to ensure success.
- Commercial and Financial Acumen: Experience managing multi £M budgets and a solid understanding of how technical decisions impact the bottom line.
- Inclusive Collaborator: You lead by empowering others, drawing on the strengths of the entire team across the Programme Breakdown Structure (PrBS).
- Communication Mastery: The ability to synthesise complex technical status into clear, actionable reporting for senior leadership and stakeholders.
Success Factors
- You know you have been successful when you have established a robust programme that is on track to deliver our in-orbit demonstrations within two years.
- Your team has built seamless working relationships across Engineering, Supply Chain, and Procurement.
- You have established a "right-sized" PM framework that provides clarity and rigour without slowing down innovation.
- You can point to specific delivery successes or technological breakthroughs that you helped shepherd from concept to reality.
- You are an integral part of the team, known for providing the leadership and grit that helps everyone overcome challenges.
Programme Manager in Harwell employer: Space Solar
At Space Solar, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our Programme Managers play a pivotal role in leading groundbreaking projects in the exciting field of space-based solar power, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in a dynamic environment, we offer competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere where inquisitive doers can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Harwell
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Space Solar for a Programme Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Space Solar, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Space Solar, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Space Solar
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Space Solar.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Space Solar. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Space Solar love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
