At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects in uncrewed vehicle development from concept to delivery.
- Company: Join a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company pushing technological boundaries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on innovative tech.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of drone technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management with a recognised qualification.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
SYOS is a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company, driving the development of cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles (drones) across air, land, and sea for dual-use applications. We are committed to pushing technological boundaries and delivering exceptional products that consistently exceed customer expectations.
About the role:
We are seeking a hands-on Project Manager to join our UK team. You will lead delivery of USV programmes across R&D, prototyping and production—driving execution from concept through build/integration, test/commissioning, acceptance and handover—ensuring delivery to schedule, budget, quality, risk and compliance targets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Delivery Leadership & Planning
- Lead UK delivery across R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, Quality and Test/Commissioning, plus external suppliers and service providers.
- Capture, baseline and manage delivery requirements; translate them into an integrated plan with milestones, readiness gates, and acceptance criteria.
- Own the integrated schedule and critical path (baseline, progress tracking, decision points and recovery actions).
- Own budget tracking and delivery reporting across cost, schedule, scope, quality and risk.
- Manage RAID (risks, assumptions, issues and dependencies), drive mitigations to closure and escalate early with options.
- Drive change control with impact assessment, approvals and re-baselining as required.
- Own Jira delivery management (roadmaps, epics, cross-team dependencies and dashboards) and maintain delivery process discipline.
- Plan and oversee commissioning and acceptance, including readiness reviews, test schedules, defect triage and handover packs.
- Oversee prototype/system testing: ensure procedures are followed, results are captured accurately, and defects are prioritised to closure.
- Documentation, Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and run the project governance cadence (planning, delivery, supplier reviews, gates) to drive decisions, manage risks and remove blockers.
- Maintain delivery documentation and handover packs (plans, requirements/specifications, test reports, acceptance evidence) and apply appropriate controls for sensitive/proprietary information.
- Identify opportunities to improve delivery processes and working practices; contribute to team standards and best practices.
- Act as the single point of accountability for UK delivery performance and stakeholder communication.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Strong experience delivering end-to-end products from planning through build/integration to commissioning, acceptance and operational handover.
- Proven capability owning schedule and budget, running RAID, and driving change control in a high-tempo environment.
- Understanding of R&D and product development lifecycles, including requirements/specification management, test evidence, delivery documentation, and transition to production/production readiness.
- Supplier/procurement coordination experience (lead times, expediting, quality and logistics); comfortable working with yards/sites where required.
- Excellent stakeholder management, including customer-facing communication and confident escalation to protect delivery outcomes.
- Domain experience in maritime, defence, autonomy/robotics or other high-reliability regulated industries is strongly preferred.
- Strong commercial awareness (cost tracking, variations/change, supplier performance management).
Required:
- Recognised PM qualification (APM or equivalent such as PRINCE2 Practitioner, MSP, AgilePM, or PMI)
- 5+ years’ experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary products or programmes (hardware/robotics/aerospace/defence experience advantageous).
Desirable certifications:
- APM/PRINCE2 (or equivalent); AgilePM or Scrum (PSM/CSM); MoR.
How to Apply:
If you are a passionate Project Manager who is excited about the future of drone or aerospace technology and have a proven track record of success in your field, please apply now and we will be in touch if you are successful.
Security Requirement:
To be eligible for this role, you must be able to meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). This includes confirming your identity, legal right to work in the UK, recent employment history, and criminal record (unspent convictions only).
Project Manager (Unmanned Surface Vehicles) employer: Syos Aerospace
At SYOS, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the robotics and aerospace sector, offering our Project Managers the chance to work on innovative unmanned surface vehicle projects in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Our UK team fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth, providing ample opportunities for career advancement while ensuring a supportive atmosphere that values creativity and excellence. With competitive benefits and a commitment to pushing technological boundaries, SYOS is an exceptional place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of advanced technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Unmanned Surface Vehicles)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially in the unmanned surface vehicles space. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets, schedules, and risks in past projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Unmanned Surface Vehicles)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with R&D, budget management, and delivery processes. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for unmanned surface vehicles and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on projects where you've led teams or managed complex deliveries. We love seeing examples of how you've tackled challenges in high-tempo environments, especially in robotics or aerospace.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Syos Aerospace
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of project management, especially in the context of unmanned surface vehicles. Brush up on your knowledge of R&D processes, budget tracking, and RAID management. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show that you're not just familiar with the role but genuinely passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past projects that highlight your ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary programmes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the company's projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you. Think about asking how they measure success in their USV programmes or what challenges they currently face.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Given the technical nature of the role, be prepared to discuss specific methodologies and tools you’ve used in project management, such as Jira for delivery management. Familiarise yourself with any relevant industry standards or certifications that may come up during the conversation, as this will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and best practices.
