Project Manager - R&D

Build a career powered by innovations that matter! At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing—improving productivity, enhancing people’s lives and redefining what’s possible. We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission-critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.
Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Looking for a great place to work? You have found it with a culture that embraces teamwork, collaboration and empowerment. Come explore Novanta.
Project Manager, R&D
Novanta Robotics & Automation | Foxton, Cambridge | Hybrid Working
Bring New Robotics Products to Market
If you are looking to build a career in project management within a high-tech engineering environment, this is an opportunity to work on products that power some of the world's most advanced robotic and automation systems. At Novanta, you'll help lead the development of innovative technologies used by manufacturers and automation companies across the globe.
As a Project Manager within our R&D team, you will coordinate the delivery of new product development projects from concept through to launch. You'll work alongside talented engineers, product leaders, manufacturing teams and senior stakeholders, gaining broad exposure across the entire product development lifecycle.
This role is ideal for someone early in their project management career who wants to grow into a senior programme management position while working on cutting-edge robotics technologies.
Why Join Novanta?
Work on innovative robotics and automation products with global impact
Gain hands-on exposure to hardware, software and product development teams
Partner directly with senior leaders and experienced programme managers
Develop expertise in new product introduction (NPI) and R&D project delivery
Clear career progression within a global technology organisation
Be part of a collaborative, engineering-led culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
What you will be doing:
You will play a central role in ensuring projects stay on track, stakeholders stay aligned, and new products are successfully delivered.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading cross-functional project teams across Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, Procurement and Commercial functions
Developing and maintaining project plans from initiation through launch
Managing project schedules, milestones, risks, issues, dependencies and actions
Facilitating project meetings and ensuring clear communication across stakeholders
Tracking project progress and providing regular updates to leadership teams
Supporting business reviews and executive project reporting
Coordinating activities with customers and suppliers where required
Ensuring projects align with Novanta's product development and quality processes
Building strong relationships across global teams to support successful delivery.
What we are looking for:
We are looking for someone who combines organisation and structure with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams.
You will likely have:
A degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
1-3 years' project management experience
Experience working within engineering, manufacturing, technology or product development environments
Strong planning, organisation and stakeholder management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Confidence working with multiple priorities and deadlines
Experience using tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet or similar project management software
A proactive, self-motivated approach and desire to learn and develop
The following would be advantageous:
PMP certification
Experience working within ISO9001 or ISO13485 regulated environments
Exposure to new product development or R&D projects.
Career Transition Applicants Welcome
This role could be an excellent fit for candidates who have built project coordination, planning or delivery experience in areas such as:
Engineering
Manufacturing
Product Development
Operations
Supply Chain
Technical Customer Support
Quality or Regulatory functions
If you have led projects, coordinated complex workstreams, managed stakeholders, or driven activities to completion, we'd encourage you to apply.
About Novanta Robotics & Automation
Novanta is a global technology company and a leader in robotic end-of-arm tooling and automation solutions. Our technologies help customers improve productivity, precision and flexibility across a wide range of industrial and automation applications. Through engineering excellence, quality and customer focus, we continue to develop innovative solutions that help shape the future of automation.
Ready to Apply?
Whether you are an early-career Project Manager looking to accelerate your development or an experienced project professional seeking exposure to innovative robotics technologies, we would love to hear from you. Apply today or reach out to Rebecca Pelham to discuss further.
We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, for example with applications, interviews, or assessments, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner. We will work with you to understand your needs and make appropriate arrangements so you can perform at your best.
Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.
Please call +1 781-266-5700 if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.