Production Lead in Southampton

Archangel Lightworks is a connectivity company building wireless technology to create the space-enabled networks of the future. We are passionate about improving humanity's communications infrastructure and solving some of Earth's most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can make your mark as part of a growing team and work on the cutting-edge of innovation.

We are looking for a Production Lead to join our experienced engineering team and deliver transformative laser communications technology. You will be responsible for building and leading the Production/Manufacturing function to transition Archangel Lightworks free space optical communication products from prototype/first article to serial production for delivery to internal and external customers.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Build & lead the production function: Establish the production function including facilities, team hiring and leadership, production layout, tooling, equipment, processes, production documentation, team structure, and supply chain development to support production.
• Own repeat manufacturing of products: Own the manufacturing, assembly, integration, alignment, calibration, and test of deployable optical ground station products.
• Own production planning and delivery: Own the production schedules, resource plans, capacity plans to ensure we deliver to customers on time.
• Establish & champion end-to-end quality control and production assurance: Establish production quality control processes necessary to ensure the quality of products delivered to customers.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years experience.
• Expected to have demonstrated experience transitioning from product to serial production, ideally in a startup environment.
• Experience establishing and scaling manufacturing operations, including facilities, production processes, tooling, equipment, and workforce development.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing planning, capacity planning, resource planning, and production scheduling.
• Experience implementing manufacturing documentation systems including work instructions, assembly procedures, manufacturing records, and configuration control.
• Proven track record of developing and managing supplier and contract manufacturing relationships.
• Experience establishing and maintaining quality management and production assurance processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced startup or scale-up environment with evolving priorities.
• Experience managing production risks, schedules, and delivery commitments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable additional skills:

• Experience within photonics, optics, laser systems, free-space optical communications, telecommunications, aerospace, defense, or satellite industries.
• Experience supporting low-volume/high-complexity production environments.
• Experience building teams during periods of rapid company growth.
• Ability to collaborate closely with R&D, systems engineering, procurement, and customer-facing teams.

Location: Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. There will be opportunity to work from home as agreed with your line manager.

Compensation & Perks:

• The opportunity to make a difference building cutting edge technology to support a world-changing vision.
• Options for hybrid working and custom arrangements that matter to you.
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays.
• Equity options in a growing start-up.
• Investment in you to help you grow, with training resources and budget.
• Supportive team culture with high levels of ownership and responsibility.
• Regular socials and weekly team lunch.
• Variety of additional perks including learning and wellbeing app subscriptions.

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools when applying. Please ensure your application reflects your own experience, skills, and thinking. We assess applications based on authenticity and accuracy, so anything generated with AI should be reviewed, personalised, and representative of you.