Senior Project Manager – defence & autonomous maritime systems

Join us in continuing to revolutionize ocean space operations!

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager who will lead the delivery of complex defence and maritime autonomy projects from contract award to final acceptance.

In this role, you will work closely with customers, engineering teams, production, suppliers, classification societies, and operational stakeholders. You will play a key role in ensuring that advanced autonomous maritime systems are delivered safely, efficiently, and according to customer expectations.

The position requires strong leadership, technical understanding, and the ability to create momentum across multiple disciplines. As part of our project delivery team, you are the driving force that transforms customer requirements into successful operational capabilities.

In this role, you will report directly to our Head of Project Management.

Your key responsibilities:

• Lead the full project lifecycle, from project kickoff through design, integration, testing, delivery, and final acceptance.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across software, autonomy, electrical, mechanical, production, procurement, and operations.

• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and customer expectations throughout execution.

• Lead communication with customers, partners, subcontractors, and regulatory stakeholders.

• Plan and oversee FAT, HAT, SAT (sea trials), integration activities and operational demonstrations.

• Ensure project compliance with contractual requirements, quality standards, and security obligations.

• Identify and manage technical, commercial, and operational risks before they impact project delivery.

• Support continuous improvement of project management processes, reporting, and governance.

• Ensure company compliance by continuously seeking improvements and reporting deviations.

Relevant expertise in this role:

• BSc or Master's degree within engineering, technology, defence systems, maritime studies, project management, or a related discipline. Relevant practical experience may compensate for formal education.

• Minimum 5–10 years of experience managing complex technical projects.

• Experience from defence programs, military operations, defence procurement, naval projects, aerospace, autonomous systems, or other highly regulated industries is highly valued.

• Strong understanding of project execution methodologies, risk management, stakeholder management, and contract management.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and integration teams.

• Familiarity with customer acceptance processes, verification and validation activities, and operational testing.

• Experience working with government customers, defence procurement organizations, or classified programs is a strong advantage.

• Understanding of maritime systems, autonomous systems, robotics, offshore technology, or defence technologies is highly valued.

• Previous experience with standards, regulatory frameworks, and compliance processes is an advantage.

• Ability to obtain and maintain Norwegian and/or NATO security clearance is highly preferred.

• As an international company, we require fluency in both Norwegian and English; other languages are a big bonus.

Who are you, then?

• Comfortable taking ownership of complex projects where technology, operations, and customer expectations must come together.

• Able to create structure and momentum across teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.

• A strong leader who knows when to challenge, support, and make decisions.

• Comfortable working in environments where technical complexity and operational realities meet.

• An effective communicator who builds trust with customers, engineers, management teams, and end users alike.

• The one who keeps projects moving forward when uncertainty, changing priorities, or unexpected challenges arise.

• Motivated by delivering systems that contribute to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable operations at sea.

• You are energized and take ownership of our core values: Innovate! Enable! Deliver!
  

What we offer 

• A stimulating and dynamic work environment at the forefront of innovative maritime technology.

• A meaningful job with an important social mission. The autonomy we create ensures sustainable, efficient, and safe ocean space operations worldwide

• A collaborative and growing team of passionate and highly competent professionals.

• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

• A comprehensive and well-organized benefits package.

• A strong sense of community, plenty of humour, and social activities that bind us together in a busy everyday life.

While you will be based in Trondheim the position requires some national and international travel to support our global operations.

This employment may require security clearance by the Norwegian National Security Authority and is subject to background check. 

Ready to join the team? We're already excited to meet you!

If you have any questions about the position, don't hesitate to contact

Head of Project Management

Gudmundur Bergmann: +47 995 99 737 / gudmundur.bergmann@maritimerobotics.com

Head of People & Culture

Anja Vollan: +47 951 01 207 / anja.vollan@maritimerobotics.com

Since 2005, Maritime Robotics has pioneered and led the development of advanced sea drones (Uncrewed Surface Vessels USVs) and maritime autonomy. Our core technology, the autonomous navigation system (ANS), enables safe and efficient remote and autonomous operations at sea.

These robotic solutions are vital for precise seabed mapping, ocean research, securing marine infrastructure, and operations in challenging environments. Globally deployed ANS and USVs contribute to sustainable, efficient, and safe maritime navigation, minimizing fuel use.  In today’s world, our technology is also crucial for protecting communities and assets. We see growing demand from defence, security, hydrography, marine construction, and the energy sector.

INNOVATE I ENABLE I DELIVER