Project Manager - Autonomous Defence

Location: Leicestershire, Midlands

Salary: £55,000–£60,000

Working Pattern: Predominantly onsite, with some flexibility

We’re working with a rapidly growing UK defence technology company developing advanced unmanned and autonomous systems for defence and dual-use applications.

The business has grown significantly in recent years and is now entering an exciting period of further expansion, with new projects being secured and a strong focus on developing sovereign UK capability.

They are looking for a Project Manager to join the team and take ownership of projects across a highly technical engineering environment.

The Role

This is a hands-on Project Management position where you’ll work closely with engineering teams to keep complex programmes moving from development through to delivery.

You’ll be working across projects involving unmanned ground vehicles, autonomous systems and vehicle integration , coordinating activity across mechanical engineering, electronics and embedded software.

The environment is fast-paced and entrepreneurial, so this is not a role for someone looking for a heavily structured corporate environment. You’ll be expected to get involved, solve problems, bring structure where needed and work closely with engineers to make things happen.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering projects from planning through to delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, electronics and embedded software.
• Manage project timelines, priorities, risks and deliverables.
• Work closely with engineering leads and stakeholders to resolve issues and keep projects moving.
• Track project progress and communicate updates across the business.
• Help introduce and improve project processes as the company continues to scale.
• Coordinate suppliers, stakeholders and external partners where required.
• Support the delivery of complex autonomous and unmanned vehicle programmes.

About You

We’re looking for a technically minded Project Manager who is comfortable working in an engineering-led environment.

You may come from a background in defence, automotive, robotics, aerospace, advanced engineering or another technically complex industry .

You'll ideally have:

• Experience managing technical/engineering projects.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• An understanding of mechanical, electronics and/or embedded software development environments.
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, changing environment.
• A hands-on approach and willingness to get close to the engineering and solve problems.