Our client is a global leader in designing, developing, and building advanced technology products and services for space and defense domains. Within their specialized optics division in Wellington, they focus on ultra-high-precision systems, managing the complete manufacturing lifecycle—from raw material processing to complex polishing, assembly and deployment.
They are looking for a pragmatic Project Manager with a background in physical hardware or engineering to bring structure, discipline and order to their delivery workflow.
This is a hands-on role where you will build project controls from the ground up. You will step in early in the process to build critical schedules, integrate tasks into a DevOps workflow, write standard operating documentation, and manage live projects right from the raw manufacturing stage through to completion.
Key Responsibilities
- Build work breakdown structures, schedules, and baselines using project planning software.
- Connect high-level project schedules into daily DevOps task priorities while maintaining meticulous documentation.
- Track technical expenditures, maintain cost baselines, and close financial feedback loops across active contracts.
- Coordinate complex optics projects from raw material/unmolded states through stage-gate polishing and final release.
- Partner closely with scientists, technicians, engineers, and business leaders to align technical progress with budget and scope.
- Occasional, focused travel—including onboarding visits with senior project managers in Australia and potential trips to site installations.
What Our Client Is Looking For
- 4–8 years in project engineering, project controls, or project management.
- Strong experience in hardware, physical engineering, manufacturing, or R&D environments (not pure software). Engineers wanting to pivot into project management are strongly encouraged to apply!
- Proficient in project planning tools, expense tracking and structured process design.
- Adaptable, highly organized, resilient, and motivated by establishing structure in a dynamic technical environment.
Why Apply?
- Build the foundational project management framework for advanced space and defense optical technologies.
- Work directly alongside highly experienced technical and commercial leaders.
- Excellent opportunity to refine your skills and own end-to-end delivery in a specialized, high-tech industry.
At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.
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