Hardware Workpackage Manager

Systems Engineering

Hengelo

Full time

Workpackage manager

Location: Hengelo, Netherlands

About us

Thales Nederland is active in the Defense and Security sectors and is, with about 2000 employees, a top provider of high‑tech jobs. Product innovation and swift anticipation of the newest technological possibilities are the mainsprings of our business. Thales Nederland is a world leader in the naval radar market, producing high‑tech radar systems that continuously push technology boundaries. These radar systems consist of active electronically scanned phased array antennas that combine different technological disciplines at high levels of integration. Thales Nederland is part of the Thales Group, which has a workforce of 70,000 in more than 50 countries making it one of Europe’s largest electronics companies.

We help our customers think smarter and act faster in the fields of transportation, defense, space, aerospace and cyberspace, mastering ever‑greater complexity and every decisive moment along the way. We are therefore leading the digital transformation, focusing on artificial intelligence, big‑data & data analytics, connectivity, mobility and internet of things and cybersecurity.

About the job

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated project manager to lead internal & external developments that are used in our radar products.

You are responsible for the planning, execution, and control of assigned work packages that involve external suppliers and partners within medium to large‑scale military industrial development projects. This role ensures that all development activities are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, while adhering to strict security and compliance regulations. The Work Package Manager serves as the primary point of contact for external and internal stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and ensuring effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.

You will define clear deliverables, acceptance criteria, and performance metrics for external development activities. You are involved to identify, evaluate, and select external suppliers and partners based on technical capabilities, experience, and cost‑effectiveness, including negotiations, the management of contracts, statements of work (SOWs), and service level agreements (SLAs) with external providers.

In this role you are part of the search radar segment project management team and reporting to the Engineering Manager Segment (EMS).

About you

• You are an experienced work or project manager with recent experience in managing hardware sub‑contracts.
• You know how to monitor supplier performance against contractual obligations and project requirements and to manage supplier relationships, resolve issues, and ensure effective communication.
• You are a team player with strong dedication to achieve common team goals. You have a clear sense of how to leverage your personality and experience to bring out the best in others and yourself;
• You have good interpersonal skills with the ability to manage expectations and explain technical detail at different levels;
• You have a “can‑do” and “why‑not‑this” mentality: entrepreneurial, flexible and open mindset;
• You have a relevant degree in one of the following subjects: electronics engineering, science, mathematics or science‑based subjects
• You have a good understanding of the Engineering Process.
• You are fluent in Dutch and English.

Diversity Statement

We actively support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. That means that equal opportunities, inclusion and an informal culture are integral to our success. It also means that your well‑being and happiness matter to us! That’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, remote working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.

Security Requirements

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in The Netherlands and employment and/or education history. Some vacancies may require a security clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please refer to the General Intelligence and Security Service.