Research Manager
Maritime Defence & Underwater Capability
TKMS ATLAS UK is seeking a Research Manager to join its Research & Innovation Division, supporting the development of future maritime and underwater defence capability.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of:
maritime defence
underwater warfare
future capability development
operational analysis
and advanced defence research.
The role involves close collaboration with:
Dstl
Navy stakeholders
scientists
engineers
and wider defence partners,
helping shape early-stage concepts and research into future operational capability.
The Opportunity
This is not a traditional sales role.
The successful candidate will act as a credible interface between customers and technical teams — identifying opportunities, shaping research concepts, supporting bids, and helping convert emerging ideas into funded programmes and future capability.
You'll work within a highly technical environment alongside scientists, engineers and operational specialists focused on the underwater battlespace and wider maritime defence domain.
What You'll Be Doing
Identifying and developing research and innovation opportunities within maritime defence
Working closely with Dstl and wider MOD/Navy stakeholders
Supporting and leading bid and proposal activity
Collaborating with scientists and engineers to develop winning technical solutions
Helping shape future underwater and maritime capability concepts
Translating operational and customer needs into technically credible solutions
Supporting delivery of high-quality research outputs and customer engagement activity
Working collaboratively across the business to ensure research activity supports future products and operational capability
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines:
technical credibility
maritime defence understanding
stakeholder engagement skills
and strategic thinking.
The ideal candidate will have experience across some combination of:
underwater warfare
sonar systems
maritime combat systems
operational analysis
defence research
capability development
systems engineering
Navy Command / Dstl / DE&S environments
or wider maritime defence programmes
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
Degree qualified within a STEM-related discipline
Strong understanding of the maritime defence environment
Ability to communicate effectively with highly technical specialists and stakeholders
Experience translating complex technical information into operational or customer-focused outcomes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Confident working independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
Highly Desirable
Experience within underwater warfare or the underwater battlespace
Exposure to Dstl, Navy Command or wider MOD capability environments
Experience supporting bids, proposals, capability acquisition or concept development
Knowledge of sonar, underwater sensing, systems integration or maritime operational capability
Why Join TKMS ATLAS UK?
TKMS ATLAS UK is a leading provider of advanced maritime and underwater defence technology, supporting critical UK and allied defence capability.
You'll join a collaborative, highly technical environment where your work will contribute directly to the future of underwater and maritime defence capability.
The business offers:
Flexible working arrangements
Full-time, part-time and condensed-hours opportunities
Exposure to cutting-edge defence research and innovation
A highly specialist and intellectually engaging environment
The opportunity to work alongside leading scientists, engineers and operational experts
Security Requirements
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC). Willingness to undergo higher levels of clearance may also be required for some programmes.
Location
Dorset Innovation Park
Winfrith, Dorchester
Dorset DT2 8ZB
Hybrid working is available, although regular on-site collaboration is expected due to the highly technical and secure nature of the work.
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