About ORCA Computing:

ORCA Computing is probably one of the UK’s most innovative and disruptive startups. A spin-off from the University of Oxford, ORCA is co-founded by a quartet of two of the world’s leading experts in quantum optics and two experienced entrepreneurs. Our mission is to compete in the global race to build the world’s first useful quantum computer. Entering a race alongside the likes of Google, IBM and Microsoft is not something that we take lightly, but with our novel optical fibre based technology and working with a world class team, we have a shot at becoming one of the key players defining the future of quantum computing.

ORCA’s approach uses single photons, optical fibres and off-the-shelf telecom components to carry out quantum information processing — a completely revolutionary idea that is only made possible using our proprietary technology.

By joining ORCA, you’ll be working within a fast-paced multidisciplinary team of the very best quantum scientists, engineers and mathematicians. You will be highly intelligent and well trained in your area; creative and able to solve complex problems. We are all relaxed, but at the same time know what it takes to get things done, and are not afraid to challenge each other to achieve the very heights of what is possible.

Job Description:

We are currently seeking a Project Manager (PM) to provide administrative and managerial support for government-funded and internal R&D projects.

The candidate will be responsible for providing project management to multidisciplinary scientific and engineering teams, mostly from ORCA Computing, but also in coordination with external academic research institutions and other private companies. The ideal candidate should have a flair for planning and organisation and will be highly-motivated to support the project team deliver each project to success.

The candidate will represent the company and project’s interests in front of various government agencies, academic institutions and third-parties. The candidate must be willing to travel within the UK from time to time. She/he will be expected to jump into more than one very scientific project fairly rapidly, and should be able to provide examples of times when they have done this and been successful. The candidate must be extremely adaptable and able to contribute when required. An ability to communicate well with physicists and project stakeholders is key. We would particularly welcome individuals who have previously project-managed Innovate UK or other government-funded projects, but this is not essential.

Benefits:

We offer a friendly, collaborative and challenging work environment with benefits such as a generous holiday allowance and a generous pension plan.

Principal Responsibilities:

- Prepare schedules and budgets in collaboration with project personnel and stakeholders across teams. Track costs versus budget, and work closely with our financial/accounting team.
- Confer with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems and run project update meetings with both technical and non-technical project staff.
- Assess and manage the performance of subcontractors, if any. Participate in developing and writing statements of work (SOWs).
- Prepare high-quality, clear and concise project reports for management, clients, and/or others.
- Review status reports prepared by project personnel and modify schedules or plans as required.
- Identify risks and challenges to successful timely on-budget project execution, devise and implement risk mitigation strategies.
- Support proposal writing efforts in the form of planning, budgeting, participating in strategy and brainstorming and/or coordinating the bid process.
- Uphold ethics and values of the company.

Job Requirements:

- 2 + years project management or administrative experience.
- Demonstrable track record of successfully delivering projects hardware-intensive R&D projects.
- Reliable schedule and budget tracking with tools such as MS Project and Excel.
- Strong interpersonal skills for effectively managing teams.
- Excellent organizational skills, problem solving skills and analytical ability.
- Ability to think creatively.
- Applicants should thrive in a dynamic small business environment.
- Strong financial awareness.
- Degree in Engineering or Physics (desirable).
- Experience with Innovate UK contract budgeting and cost reporting (desirable).

To apply:

To apply, please send a cover letter and a copy of your CV/resume to: careers@orcacomputing.com