Electronics Manager in Swindon

About TEKEVER

At TEKEVER, we lead innovation in Europe as the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting‑edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation. We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space. We offer a unique surveillance‑as‑a‑service solution that delivers real‑time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — whether at sea, on land, in space or in cyberspace.

The Role

The Electronics Manager is a build‑it‑from‑scratch role. You will stand up the electronics manufacturing cell at our new Swindon facility – designing the layout, specifying the equipment, defining the processes, recruiting the team, and bringing the cell from empty floor space to serial production of the electronic assemblies that go into every Tekever UAS built in the UK. In parallel, you will work hand‑in‑glove with Manufacturing Engineering and Product Engineering to industrialise the AR3, AR3 EVO and AR5 platforms – turning prototype‑stage and low‑rate‑production electronics into robust, repeatable, high‑yield builds at the volumes the OVERMATCH programme demands. This is a hands‑on leadership role. You will spend your time on the shop floor as much as at a desk – building a team from the ground up, coaching technicians and line leaders, removing blockers, driving yield, and working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Cell Setup and Build
  • Lead the design, build and commissioning of the electronics manufacturing cell at the Swindon site – layout, flow, workstations, ESD‑protected areas, storage and material presentation.
  • Specify, source and commission the equipment, tooling, fixtures and test stations needed to deliver the build at target volumes; partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Facilities and Supply Chain on capex selection and installation.
  • Define and document the operating processes, standard work, work instructions and quality plans for the cell.
  • Plan the production ramp from first article through low‑rate to serial production, in line with the OVERMATCH programme milestones.
• Team Build and Leadership
  • Recruit, build and lead the electronics manufacturing team from the ground up – operators, technicians, team leaders and support staff – scaling in line with the production ramp.
  • Define the team structure, role profiles, shift pattern and skills matrix; identify training needs and run the training plan with HR and Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Onboard new team members effectively in a brand‑new environment; set clear performance expectations and manage performance.
  • Build a culture of safety, ownership, craftsmanship and continuous improvement on the floor from day one.
• Product Development and Industrialisation
  • Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering and Product Engineering to industrialise the AR3, AR3 EVO and AR5 platforms in the UK – bringing electronic assemblies from prototype and low‑rate production into volume manufacture.
  • Partner with the Tekever Portugal manufacturing organisation to transfer proven AR3 and AR5 electronics build processes, tooling, test methods and lessons learned into the Swindon cell; build the working relationships needed to keep that bridge live as both sites evolve.
  • Lead the production‑readiness assessment for each new build or variant: tooling, fixtures, test equipment, work instructions, training and capacity.
  • Provide structured production feedback into design – Design for Manufacture, Design for Test, Design for Assembly – to drive out cost, complexity and yield risk.
  • Support engineering changes, retrofits and configuration management through the life of each platform.
• Production Delivery
  • Once the cell is operational, own the daily, weekly and monthly output of the electronics manufacturing area against the production plan; deliver to schedule, to quality and to cost.
  • Run a structured shift/day‑start routine with clear KPIs: safety, quality, delivery, cost, people.
  • Identify, escalate and resolve constraints in real time; work with Manufacturing Engineering and Supply Chain to keep the lines running.
  • Plan and balance capacity across SMT, through‑hole, hand‑build, harness assembly, conformal coating, test and integration cells.
• Quality and Process Control
  • Ensure all electronics build activity is delivered to IPC‑A‑610 and IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 standards (or equivalent customer specifications), and within the AS9100 quality system.
  • Own ESD control, process control plans, work instructions and standard work for the area; ensure they are followed and kept current.
  • Partner with Quality on root‑cause analysis, corrective and preventive action, first‑article inspection and non‑conformance management.
  • Drive measurable improvements in first‑pass yield, scrap, rework and defect rates.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Own and drive the lean operating system in the electronics area: 5S, standard work, visual management, Kaizen, problem‑solving routines.
  • Lead structured improvement projects that deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, throughput, lead time and cost.
  • Champion data‑driven decision‑making using shop‑floor data, MES outputs and quality data.
• Health, Safety and Compliance
  • Hold ultimate accountability for the safety of every person working in the electronics manufacturing area.
  • Ensure full compliance with UK health and safety legislation, COSHH, ESD control, and Tekever site procedures.
  • Ensure full compliance with the security and export‑control requirements applicable to defence electronics manufacture, including any customer‑or programme‑specific handling instructions.

Essential - What You'll Bring

• Significant experience leading electronics manufacturing teams in a regulated, engineered‑product environment – aerospace, defence, automotive, medical devices, industrial electronics or similar.
• Demonstrable track record of standing up a new electronics manufacturing cell, line or facility – not just running an established one. This includes layout, equipment selection, process definition and ramp to volume.
• Hands‑on experience of industrialising new products into volume production in close partnership with Engineering, including DFM / DFT / DFA feedback loops.
• Strong working knowledge of SMT, through‑hole, hand‑soldering, harness and cable assembly, and electronic test processes.
• Practical expertise in IPC‑A‑610 and IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 (or customer‑equivalent) standards; IPC‑trained or certified is a strong plus.
• A demonstrable track record of recruiting, building and retaining shop‑floor teams from a low base.
• Hands‑on continuous improvement experience: Lean, 5S, standard work, structured problem‑solving, Kaizen.
• Strong understanding of quality systems in a regulated environment (AS9100, ISO 9001 or equivalent).
• Confident with ERP / MES systems and shop‑floor data.
• Eligible for UK SC clearance. Must be eligible for BPSS from day one.

Desirable

• Experience in UAS, avionics or aerospace electronics manufacture.
• Experience commissioning a new factory, cell or line as part of a major capacity expansion or technology transfer.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction from prototype through to serial production.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or above.
• IPC Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) or Certified IPC Specialist (CIS).
• Engineering or technical qualification (HNC / HND / Degree in Electronics, Manufacturing or related discipline) – or equivalent demonstrated experience.

What We Offer

• A genuinely greenfield mandate – design, build and run the electronics manufacturing cell at the UK’s largest drone production facility.
• The chance to recruit and shape your own team, and to industrialise products that are flying on real operational missions today.
• Clear progression as the Swindon site scales through the OVERMATCH programme.
• Competitive base salary, performance‑related bonus, pension and private healthcare.
• Wider Tekever UK benefits package.

Benefits

• An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference.
• Salary commensurate with level of experience.
• Company pension contribution matched up to 10%.
• 25 days annual holiday + 8 Bank holidays.
• Medical Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Salary sacrifice initiatives (EV Scheme, Cycle 2 Work, Tech Scheme).
• Discretionary annual company bonus.

Tekever is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All offers are conditional on successful pre‑employment screening, including UK security clearance where required.