Project Manager - Optical Communications

Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company building wireless technology. Founded in 2017, we believe that laser communications to and from satellites is a key component of next-generation infrastructure. Our core product, the TERRA-M, is a deployable optical ground station with proven capability for space - ground data transfer.

Our team develops and operates products that advance the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure. We value compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership and integrity. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can contribute to novel technology with meaningful applications like reducing the Digital Divide.

Archangel Lightworks recently closed over £10 million of investment in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. Our company is also supported by the UK Space Agency, the UK’s Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the UK Ministry of Defence.

• →Manage assigned product developments and associated projects to the specified scope, timeline, and budget. This includes supporting and collaborating with the growing PM and Engineering teams to ensure successful delivery. At Archangel Lightworks we succeed together, so collaboration and teamwork are critical to the role.
• →Collaborate with the engineering team to translate technical requirements and work areas into clear project scopes and plans.
• →Work closely with Technical Leads to ensure that Product Development Plans remain aligned with the backlog of technical tasks; and provide accurate inputs into Programme and Portfolio level controls.
• →Proactively identify and manage project risks, interdependencies, and their impact on timelines and cross-functional work streams.
• →Monitor and control project finances and forecasts; and provide inputs into Programme and Company level financial tracking. This includes proactive identification of forecast issues for mitigation, and ownership of forecast accuracy.
• →Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.
• →Work collaboratively with the PM team to ensure alignment across the development portfolio.
• →Coordinate and participate in formal documentation review and change control processes.

• Experience within a start-up/scale-up environment, including managing resource and project priorities in a constrained environment.
• Domain knowledge in ground segment, satellite systems, laser communication technology, or optical systems. While you don’t need to be a subject matter expert, an understanding of these areas is highly beneficial due to the technical nature of our work.
• Knowledge of the deployment of ground station and network operations within the Space Communications sector.
• Experience with the development of communication systems on maritime and drone-based platforms, preferably optical.
• Experience working in an engineering agile environment is highly beneficial. We operate following Agile processes on daily-to-weekly basis, underpinned by long term waterfall plans.
• Experience with contractual negotiation, particularly multi-party legal and IP agreements.