Project Manager for Cubesat Mission

About the role

Applications are invited for a 9-month project manager position to lead the project management of both the consortium and project level and the Northumbria University team at work-package level. The successful candidate will work in the Department of Mathematics Physics and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University, within the leadership and management team preparing an in-orbit demonstration mission for a novel laser communication system for CubeSats. For further information about the Northumbria Space Technology Laboratory see here: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/nstl

This position is funded by UK Space Agency with grant reference number (UKSAG22_0042). The project focuses on the design, testing, and build of hardware and software for two 6U CubeSats to launch into Low Earth Orbit and demonstrate the function of a free space optical link between CubeSats. The project is funded by the UK Space Agency and includes partners from Durham University, Telespazio and Smart Sentry SMS, as well as support from Lockheed Martin UK Space and the UK Space Agency. The post holder will be responsible for working with the UK Space Agency, project partners and Northumbria staff to deliver the project on time, within budget, and to the agreed performance levels of the final product. This will entail managing the schedule, risks, finances, workload, regulatory oversight, IP development, tendering/contracts and purchasing, logistics and reporting to the UKSA for the project. The project is funded by the UKSA for £5.8M budget from now until 31 March 2025 with the prospect of an extension into 2027 on securing further funding for launch and operations phases of the mission. The project consortium consists of 30+ team members with a wide range of expertise ranging from lab technicians, software & hardware post-doctoral researchers, design electronic engineers, integration and test engineers, opto-electronic engineers, environmental engineers, PCB manufacturers, satellite manufacturers and administrative staff including procurement, commercial, legal and business development managers.

For informal enquiries about this post, please contact Dr Eamon Scullion on eamon.scullion@northumbria.ac.uk

Further information is available in the job description.

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate should have experience and skills relating to project management of satellite or aerospace research and product development projects. Therefore, a qualification in professional project management is essential. A track record of professional experience in aerospace, satellite or laser free-space optics research and development projects is desirable. Experience working in UKSA/ESA/NASA funded projects is desirable. The role will include managing a diverse team of scientists and engineers across four project partners and several subcontracts to deliver a world-leading laser communication system. It is essential, therefore, that the post holder have strong interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), person management and time management skills. Some technical knowledge of aerospace or optical communication systems is desirable to allow smooth interaction with the team.

Further information is available in the person specification. 

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply'.  Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.  

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