Programme Manager (R&D)

Job Title: Programme Manager - R&D

Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire

Salary Range: Negotiable

About The Role:

The Programme Manager (R&D) leads the development, delivery, and integration of Malloy Aeronautics' next-generation capability programmes. These include powertrain innovation (motors, ESCs, propellers), advanced battery systems, hybrid propulsion, novel avionics (moving-platform landing aids, AltNav, autonomy, swarming algorithms), and other enabling technologies that underpin the future performance of the T-series platforms.

The postholder drives multiple research, development, and technology maturation programmes through concept, rapid prototyping, system integration, and flight-test phases. They ensure that novel technologies are validated, scalable, and capable of transitioning into prototype aircraft programmes and, ultimately, into production.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, innovation strategy, and programme delivery. Success requires balancing innovation speed with engineering rigour, safety, and disciplined project management in an unstructured, high-velocity environment.

Ability to hold Security Clearance - 5 years residence in the UK

What you'll being doing (but not limited to):

• Lead Malloy's technology development portfolio, from concept and feasibility through prototyping, integration, and experimental flight test.

• Build and maintain R&D baselines (scope, schedule, cost), structured around iterative learning cycles appropriate to exploratory work.

• Manage multidisciplinary teams across powertrain, avionics, autonomy, systems engineering, prototyping, and trials.

• Drive rapid experimentation while ensuring configuration control, technical governance, safety, and airworthiness standards.

• Develop and deliver R&D workstreams focused on electric & hybrid propulsion, advanced batteries, high-efficiency props, autonomy frameworks, and novel GNSS-denied navigation systems.

• Define and manage integrated technology maturation pathways linking R&D outcomes to prototype aircraft and production programmes.

• Lead design reviews, readiness reviews, and gate transitions in line with BAE/Malloy lifecycle expectations.

• Manage risks associated with early-stage development, ensuring visibility, contingency planning, and credible mitigation.

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Flight Ops, Production, Commercial) and external partners (MoD, research labs, suppliers).

Essential Skills and Experiences:

• Experience in aerospace, engineering, defence, production, or technology environments

• In some businesses, the incumbent would have a budget between £1M to £15M per annum, but typically, the budget responsibility would be at a higher level.

• Strong grounding in programme management across R&D, aerospace, defence, experimental flight-test, or prototyping environments.

• Understanding of propulsion technologies, avionics, autonomy, or electric/hybrid aerospace systems beneficial.

• Familiarity with export-control, safety, and quality requirements.

• Ability to lead high-ambiguity, high-tempo technical teams.

• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.

• Commercially aware; able to support pricing, forecasting, and cost control.

Desired Skills and Experiences:

• Degree in engineering or technical management, or equivalent experience.

• APM PMQ/ChPP/PMP desirable (or willingness to obtain).

• SC eligibility required.

• Mentor Project Managers and apprentices, building a strong talent pipeline for emerging programme leaders.

• Drive improved governance, reporting, forecasting, and risk/issue discipline across the R&D portfolio.

• Support business cases, bid writing, and technical input into commercial proposals based on R&D outputs.

Benefits you may be eligible for:

• Working Environment: 9-day fortnight:

• Free parking, free lunch on working Fridays', fruit twice a week, tea and coffee.

• Company Pension Scheme

• Discretionary Employee Incentive Bonus Scheme

• Employee Share Incentive Plan (BAE Systems)

• 20 days Annual Leave, increasing with long service

• Healthcare Cash Plan including Virtual GP, Dental Cover, Vision Cover, Discounted Gym Membership, and much more! Free coverage for children under 2 years old.

• Employee Assistance Programme (24hr Helpline)

• Mental Health First Aiders

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Casual Dress

• Sick Pay

• We are a Bronze Level Armed Forces Covenant which signals our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

Please be aware that many roles working for Malloy Aeronautics will be subject to both security and export control restrictions.

These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation.

Malloy Aeronautics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We also want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.