Product Manager, Control System Software

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. 

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

Product Manager, Control System Software

A fantastic opportunity for a talented and motivated Product Manager to guide and support the software development effort for delivering and maintaining the distributed control system that underpins the successful operation of the SKAO telescopes.

Job Location
Cheshire, UK (Head Office)
Area / Department
Science
Contract Type
Permanent
Salary
£55,000- 65,000, Depending on experience plus excellent benefit
Closing Date
02/01/2025
Ref No
10310

The Role

In SKAO software development, Product Managers ensure progress and alignment with the project’s vision and milestones. This role involves guiding the development of control system products that interface with telescope hardware and software subsystems, providing software tools and services that are used to operate the Mid and Low telescopes.

In this role, you will work collaboratively with experts and stakeholders across the SKAO project and with Product Owners in a set of (approx. 5-10) development teams to develop and maintain requirements, use cases, product strategy, roadmaps, and backlogs that specify and communicate the direction and status of product delivery. This will involve developing a detailed understanding of how control system products and telescope subsystems interface and integrate to deliver key observatory functions. You will coordinate with stakeholders and development teams to define and prioritise software features and other technical tasks and assess and accept work when it is complete.

As a globally distributed project, our software development teams span multiple time zones, embracing and benefiting from this diversity. You will support colleagues in a small management team to build a collaborative working environment built on transparency, trust and respect, where ideas and input from a broad, culturally diverse body of contributors can be valued.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

This is a permanent role and will be based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.

 

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

As a Product Manager for SKAO control system software, the post holder will work closely with engineers, architects, operations staff, and other product managers across the organisation to:

  • Develop, communicate, and execute on the vision and strategy for the SKAO control system software products

  • Communicate product roadmaps, releases, and value propositions aligned with telescope delivery and operations schedules

  • Synthesise user insights to maintain and update actionable product requirements, user stories, and product specifications

  • Within the quarterly software development cycle, manage the development and prioritisation of the product backlogs

  • Occasional travel nationally and internationally. 

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Demonstrable experience in Product Management or Product Owner in a relevant domain
  • A strong technical understanding of the operation of radio telescopes or similar large scientific facilities, from a distributed control system perspective interfacing software and hardware components
  • The ability to navigate and execute amidst ambiguity, and to flex to different domains based on the problem at hand, finding simple, easy-to-understand solutions
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to convey and influence decisions and priorities on complicated topics in easily understandable terms to a diverse set of external and internal stakeholders. 
  • Understanding of Agile practices, including the importance of customer focus and a pragmatic approach to decision-making.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Postgraduate qualification in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science or a closely related and relevant field, or equivalent experience in a professional scientific operational capacity.
  • SAFe PO/PM or equivalent accreditation

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. 

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.