Build the manufacturing capability behind the next generation of opto-chemical sensors. Mode is developing an autonomous opto-chemical sensing platform for remote environmental monitoring. We are looking for a senior, hands-on engineering leader to own the productisation and industrialisation of our first commercial sensor platform.
THE ROLE
You will lead the translation of our proven engineering MVP into a robust, compliant, serviceable and manufacturable product. You will define and manage the route from existing prototype through engineering, design and production validation to controlled release. Working across engineering, quality, operations and supply chain, you will balance performance, reliability, compliance, cost and manufacturability. This role begins as a senior individual-contributor and technical-lead role, combining strategic ownership with hands-on involvement in builds, testing and problem-solving. You will then build and lead a wider manufacturing team to deliver your vision.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Productisation and NPI
Own the industrialisation roadmap, development stages, release gates and production-readiness criteria.
Lead DFM, DFA, design-for-test, service and reliability activities across optical, mechanical, electronic, fluidic and sensing-chemistry interfaces.
Establish a controlled product definition covering bills of materials, drawings, specifications, software dependencies and manufacturing data.
Lead pilot and pre-production builds, converting results into prioritised design and process improvements.
Verification, Compliance and Market Access
Determine the applicable regulatory and certification routes for the product's intended markets and use.
Own the verification and validation strategy, including requirements traceability, test methods, acceptance criteria and treatment of failures.
Coordinate pre-compliance and formal testing with specialist advisers and accredited laboratories.
Build the evidence required for applicable UKCA or CE conformity, technical files, declarations and product labelling.
Define appropriate environmental and reliability testing for remote deployment, including ingress, temperature, humidity, corrosion, shock, vibration and accelerated life testing.
Manufacturing, Quality and Scale-up
Develop and release repeatable assembly, inspection, calibration and end-of-line test processes.
Specify the tooling, fixtures, reference standards and test infrastructure required for production.
Establish proportionate process controls, PFMEAs, control plans, traceability, change control and non-conformance processes within the QMS.
Define production metrics covering yield, quality, cycle time, capacity and unit cost.
Select and develop key suppliers and manufacturing partners, managing qualification, transfer and supply-chain risks.
Ensure service, repair, calibration and field-return requirements are reflected in the product and manufacturing design.
Mentor colleagues and help establish the manufacturing practices and capabilities needed as the company grows.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Within your first 100 days, you will have
Built a detailed understanding of the MVP, intended use, architecture, current prototype build process and principal technical risks, transferring knowledge from the existing engineering team.
Completed a productisation gap assessment covering design maturity, reliability, compliance, manufacturing, supply chain and serviceability.
Agreed an integrated industrialisation roadmap with clear stages, owners, budget, schedule and readiness criteria.
Defined the verification, compliance and certification strategy, including external test requirements.
Led or supported a representative build and test cycle, turning the findings into a prioritised action plan.
Identified the critical suppliers, long-lead, single-source and make-versus-buy decisions.
By the end of your first year, you will have
Scoped and recruited an appropriately scaled manufacturing team, including a roadmap for future expansion.
Delivered an agreed production baseline achieving the required performance, reliability, compliance, cost and manufacturability targets.
Completed the planned engineering, design and production validation stages, with remaining risks formally understood and owned.
Achieved the applicable conformity, certification and market-access milestones.
Released repeatable assembly, calibration and test processes with suitable tooling, controls and traceability.
Demonstrated agreed production performance through pilot or pre-production builds.
Qualified the critical supply chain and established a scalable NPI and manufacturing operating system.
ABOUT YOU
You are a hands-on product industrialisation leader who brings structure to ambiguity. You have taken complex hardware beyond prototype and understand the trade-offs required to make it reliable, compliant, manufacturable and supportable. You have the ability to balance evolving design with the need to deliver MVP units to
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Manufacturing / NPI Manager in Oxford employer: Mode Labs Ltd
Mode Labs is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Oxford where innovation meets hands-on engineering. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development through training allowances and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Our commitment to flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, including share options and matched pension contributions, makes us an attractive choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental monitoring.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing / NPI Manager in Oxford
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Mode Labs Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Mode Labs Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mode Labs Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Mode Labs Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Mode Labs Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
