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Orbex is looking for a Senior Technical Project Manager to support our Structures team and support with our various licensing projects. We are looking for someone with proven experience in managing complex and high-tech multidisciplinary projects, ideally with a technical background in mechanical design and/or analysis.

You will be working closely with our Licensing & Flight Structures teams to ensure the effective delivery of projects from R&D through development, test, trials, and ultimately to flight-ready status.

You will be able to navigate the complexities of safety-critical and highly regulated industry practices, working with our team of expert engineers, along with the rest of our project managers, to drive forward the multitude of projects leading to the launch of the prime launch vehicle while reporting to the Chief Programme Officer. Any experience managing projects for flight grade hardware, space applications or finely tolerance and high performance composite parts would be extremely valuable.

This will be a fast-paced opportunity where you can effect real change and play a huge part in supporting the delivery of critical systems on this unique space launch vehicle.

About Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over £103m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland, and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting-edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

Responsibilities of the Senior Project Manager:

• Taking responsibility for driving and coordinating teams of experts, alongside technical managers, to deliver projects effectively and on time across Mechanical Design, Structural Analysis, and Licensing from prototype to a fully commissioned launch vehicle.

• Accountable for implementing and supporting the programme management strategy as the company moves from prototype to the production launch vehicle.

• Leading the delivery of approved projects in line with agreed timelines, budgets, and business case outcomes.

• Managing effective senior relationships, including conflict of interest resolution, identifying solutions and opportunities to reduce risk, and managing expectations on the feasibility of delivering in line with project plans.

• Working with external institutions such as ESA, the CAA, and the UK Space Agency to produce documentation supporting licensing, grant claims, and project applications, etc.

  Essential

• A strong driving force, able to optimise processes and effect change in a growing, complex, and multidisciplinary organisation.

• You will need to build trust between the various internal stakeholders, using clear communication to drive excellence across project teams.

• It is expected that you will have a strong track record of leading and delivering multi-discipline engineering projects, ideally from prototype to final (flight-ready) status. This will incorporate technical disciplines such as mechanical design, structural analysis, and systems engineering.

• Extensive and specialized knowledge of Project Management theory, concepts, and principles (e.g., risk and opportunity management, change management, critical path methodology, project scope and change management, resource estimating, and management lifecycle).

• It is expected that you will have formal project management qualifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, etc.

  Preferred – though not essential:

• Space-related experience.

• Regulated industry experience such as aerospace or defence.

• High-performance composite products.

  We are looking for experienced candidates who can demonstrate they get things done with a pragmatic attitude and reliable results, not fazed by challenges or problems. In this role, we expect you to drive change and make your mark on business practices with a wide degree of flexibility and responsibility to achieve a specific outcome. Your track record will be important.

  For the right candidate, we offer a benefits package that includes an equity stake in the company.

  You must reside in a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention.

  This is a compelling and rare career opportunity.

  Location

  This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters.

  Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness and Aviemore ski resort.

  If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.

  Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.

  If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

  Benefits

  For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:

• A competitive salary commensurate with experience and the responsibility of the role. £70-85k

• An equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful

• Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls, and security, but we are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide relocation assistance as required

• C ompany Cycle to Work scheme

• 3% Nest Pension

• EA Programme

• Independent Mortgage Advice

• Health Assurance

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