Opportunity
We’re looking for a people-focused Engineering Manager to lead and develop our multi-disciplinary engineering team. This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives on bringing out the best in others – balancing people management, attracting top talent and enabling high performance across key projects. You’ll work closely with senior leadership and partner directly with our Chief Engineer to strengthen capability, support technical excellence and shape the direction of the department.
Who We Are
OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England. Our products provide ultra‑high performance, real‑time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high‑profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations. We are proud to have supported a wide range of law‑enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high‑profile sites and individuals around the world. The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
Join a high‑energy, collaborative team based in the beautiful Northumberland countryside – where great ideas thrive, challenges are embraced, and people genuinely love what they do.
* Competitive remuneration package, with performance‑related bonuses and clear progression opportunities.
* 25 days’ holiday + public holidays, with long‑service rewards and the option to buy or sell up to 5 additional days.
* Flexible working options – helping you balance life and work in a way that works best for you.
* Free breakfast and freshly cooked lunches every day, courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.
* Private healthcare through Aviva, keeping you feeling your best.
* Life assurance for peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
* Salary‑sacrifice schemes – including EV car and Cycle to Work options for easy, sustainable travel.
* Paid team socials – from quiz nights and football to board games and more; it’s important to have fun together.
* Pension plan with employer‑matched contributions to help you plan for the future.
* A culture that empowers – we enable change, encourage challenge, and celebrate personal growth.
What You’ll Be Doing
Reporting to the CTO and working in close partnership with the Chief Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the direction, performance and culture of the engineering team.
* Develop engineering strategies, processes and workflows that support innovation while maintaining rigorous technical standards.
* Champion the technical standards defined by the Chief Engineer.
* Align long‑ and short‑term development goals with the Head of Intelligence & Autonomy.
* Manage, coach and support engineers across multiple disciplines, fostering a positive, high‑performing culture.
* Lead recruitment and team growth to meet evolving business needs and ensure effective resource planning to maximise team impact.
* Conduct root‑cause analysis from a team‑performance perspective and implement practical, scalable solutions.
* Align engineering activity with broader business priorities through collaboration with other leaders.
* Prepare and manage the engineering budget in collaboration with the Chief Engineer.
What We’re Looking For
* Leadership Mindset: A resilient, open and collaborative leader who sets high personal standards and helps others achieve theirs.
* Advanced Qualifications: A master’s degree or higher in an engineering or scientific discipline.
* People Skills: Strong interpersonal ability to inspire, coach and develop individuals at different career stages.
* Team Leadership: Significant experience line‑managing large, complex engineering teams, shaping performance, culture and capability.
* Delivery & Organisation: Excellent time and task management skills, with confidence operating across shifting priorities in a fast‑growing environment.
* Senior Product Development Experience: Extensive experience in senior roles within product development teams, demonstrating sound judgement and influence at all levels.
* Industry Perspective: A strong background in the defence sector (desirable) and/or security sector, with a clear understanding of expectations, constraints and operating standards.
More About Us
Vision: Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.
Mission: Be a world‑leading provider of autonomous technology for surveillance applications and defence.
Values:
* Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest.
* Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done.
* Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility.
* We are one team: Look out for each other and the team.
* Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on.
* Have fun: We’re doing amazing things with passionate people.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as we are not able to provide visa sponsorship.
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