Defence Project Manager

Company blueOASIS is a fast-growing Portuguese technology company developing innovative solutions for ocean monitoring, maritime security, environmental protection and defence.

Our expertise combines underwater acoustics, ocean sensing technologies, numerical modelling, artificial intelligence and digital twinning. Our flagship platform, Hydrotwin, integrates these capabilities to deliver advanced ocean intelligence and decision-support solutions.

We are expanding our Security & Defence activities, developing advanced capabilities for maritime surveillance, underwater domain awareness, critical infrastructure protection and multi-sensor data fusion, supporting both civilian and military applications.

Role Description We are seeking a proactive and motivated Defence Project & Capability Development Manager to join our Security & Defence team.

Working closely with the Chief Security & Defence Officer and multidisciplinary technical teams, the successful candidate will manage defence-related projects while contributing to the development, integration and operationalisation of new maritime security and defence capabilities within HydroTwin.

The position combines project management, operational understanding, technology development and stakeholder engagement, bridging the gap between defence requirements and innovative technological solutions.

We particularly welcome candidates with a naval or maritime defence background, including former military personnel and professionals from the defence industry. Candidates with strong project management skills and an interest in maritime security and defence technologies are also encouraged to apply.

Main Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and coordinate Security & Defence projects, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives, budgets, schedules and technical requirements.
• Support the development and integration of maritime security and defence capabilities within Hydrotwin, translating operational needs into functional and technical requirements.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including underwater acoustics, engineering, AI and software development specialists.
• Contribute to solutions involving underwater surveillance, acoustic detection and classification, maritime situational awareness, multi-sensor data fusion and critical infrastructure protection.
• Support the definition of operational concepts (CONOPS), system requirements, use cases, testing and validation activities.
• Coordinate national and international defence-related R&D projects, partnerships, maritime trials and operational demonstrations.
• Engage with military, governmental, institutional and industrial stakeholders, supporting the development of new opportunities and dual-use applications.
• Monitor project execution, manage risks, maintain documentation and ensure effective reporting.

Expertise Needed

• Degree in Engineering, Naval Sciences, Defence Studies, Management and Project Management or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Experience in project management, preferably in defence, maritime or advanced technology projects. A minimum of 3 years is preferred, although candidates with less experience and strong potential will also be considered.
• Project management certification (PRINCE2, PMP, IPMA or equivalent), or relevant formal training and demonstrated practical experience.
• Understanding of operational requirements, systems integration, capability development and multidisciplinary project coordination.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage priorities and communicate effectively with both operational and technical stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills, with initiative, adaptability and good written and spoken English.
• Authorisation to work in Portugal.

Added Value

• Professional experience in defence, military or related technology environments, particularly with a naval or maritime background.
• Operational or technical experience in maritime surveillance, underwater systems, sonar or Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).
• Knowledge of underwater acoustics, acoustic signal processing, contact detection and classification, or acoustic intelligence.
• Familiarity with ISR, Maritime Situational Awareness, C2/COP systems, multi-sensor data fusion, AI/ML or digital twin technologies.
• Experience in NATO environments, multinational defence programmes or European defence R&D initiatives (EDF, EDA or equivalent).
• Experience in maritime trials, operational testing, systems engineering or validation of defence capabilities.
• Previous or current NATO and/or EU personnel security clearance.

Candidates are not expected to meet all the added-value criteria. We particularly value project delivery capabilities, operational understanding, sound technical judgement and the ability to connect technology development with real-world maritime security and defence requirements.

General Conditions

• Preferred work location: blueOASIS facilities in Horta, Faial Island, Azores.
• Alternative work location: blueOASIS facilities in Torres Vedras, Portugal.
• Minimum 4 days per week in the office, with some flexibility for temporary remote work.
• Availability for national and international travel, including maritime trials and defence-related activities.
• 40-hour working week.
• 23 days of annual leave, with the possibility of earning up to 35 days under the flexible vacation scheme.
• Salary range: €2,750–€4,000 gross per month, paid 14 times per year, depending on experience, qualifications and responsibilities.
• Food allowance of €10.46 per working day.
• Private health insurance.
• Coverflex benefits, depending on position and personal circumstances (from 150Euros up to 750Euros, depending on needs).
• Temporary accommodation in Faial at the blueOASIS house (up to 6 months), subject to availability.
• Participation in the Employee Stock Option Plan, subject to eligibility.
• Performance-related bonus opportunities.

Why Join blueOASIS? This is an opportunity to contribute directly to the development of next-generation maritime security and defence technologies, combining underwater sensing, acoustic intelligence, artificial intelligence and ocean digital twinning.

You will work at the intersection of operational defence requirements and technological innovation, contributing to the development of capabilities with real-world applications in maritime surveillance, underwater domain awareness and critical infrastructure protection.

The position offers significant autonomy, direct collaboration with senior leadership and the opportunity to grow professionally within an expanding Security & Defence business area.

Based in the Azores or mainland Portugal, you will contribute to innovative projects with national and international partners, supporting the development of advanced dual-use maritime technologies.