Senior Engineering Project Manager

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary:  Band F (S1)  £67,409 per annum

Hours:  Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract Type:  Open-Ended

Location:  UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it is sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you are surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn, and empowered to explore your curiosity.

About the Role

The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is the national centre for the design and production of world-leading astronomical instruments and systems in the United Kingdom. As a science-driven, professional engineering organisation, we employ state-of-the-art technology across all engineering disciplines, including complex optical and infra-red detectors, vacuum-cryogenics, control electronics and software, for both astronomy and non-astronomy applications, in collaboration with academic and industrial partners across the globe. Find out more about what we do here UK Astronomy Technology Centre​ – UKATC .

To support our exciting astronomy programme, the UK Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh is seeking a Senior Engineering Project Manager to lead and drive the development and delivery of complex astronomical instruments that will transform our understanding of the universe.

You will specifically manage the UK-led HARMONI (High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph) instrument project. HARMONI is being developed in Edinburgh, working closely with both UK and international partners. HARMONI is a powerful and versatile instrument destined for the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile, where it will enable astronomers to study many different astronomical targets, from distant galaxies, energetic quasars, and gamma-ray bursts to individual stars in nearby galaxies and exoplanets in the Milky Way.

Working alongside engineers, scientists and technicians, and working day-to-day with the Head of Engineering Delivery, this role will involve managing technical teams, schedule development, budgetary control, risk management and management of subcontracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the overall HARMONI project, overseeing the work at UK ATC and with participating UK and international collaborators.
• Working closely with the Work Package Managers and other Institute Project Managers to ensure they are able to deliver the required scope to time and budget.
• Managing the delivery by confirming the design baseline and ensuring that the appropriate change management control processes are established and adhered to across the project.
• Managing the quality and safety aspects of the project using established standards and procedures.

Shortlisting Criteria

(Please note the criteria below will be assessed at Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated)

• Degree in a technical, engineering or science-based subject or equivalent relevant experience. (S)
• High technical awareness and problem-solving capability: past experience working in an engineering discipline; adept at working in a multi-project, multi-disciplinary, technical environment. (S&I)
• Professional experience as a project manager gained from leading at least one large technology-based project, involving collaborative work with international partners. (S&I)
• Expertise across all areas of project management practice, including project set-up, schedule management, risk analysis, financial control and sub-contract management. (I)
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, organisational and presentational skills. (S&I)
• Experience of working on collaborative projects involving international partners. (S&I)
• People leadership skills. (S&I)
• Well-developed influencing and negotiating skills. (I)

Employee Benefits

We are offering a 3-year fixed term contract with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
• Flexible working hours
• An excellent average salary pension scheme
• Employee shopping/travel discounts
• Learning and development opportunities

Link to more benefits:

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business-support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what is possible!

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit or contact ***email_hidden***.