Integration Manager in Swindon

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with 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. Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission‑driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards. At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission‑oriented game‑changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision‑making. If you’re passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you.

About Tekever: Tekever is the European leader in AI‑driven Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), delivering autonomous platforms — including the AR3, AR3 EVO and AR5 — to defence, security and government customers across the UK, Europe and allied nations. Our systems have logged over 10,000 operational flight hours in Ukraine and form the aerial platform for the Royal Air Force’s StormShroud programme. Through our five‑year, £400m OVERMATCH investment programme, Tekever is building the UK’s largest drone production capability — including a new 254,000 sq ft facility in Swindon — and creating more than 1,000 highly skilled British jobs. We are a vertically integrated business spanning aerospace structures, propulsion, optical and RF payloads, avionics, communications, software and AI.

The Role: The Integration Manager is a build‑it‑from‑scratch role. You will stand up the integration and test 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 delivery of flight‑ready AR3, AR3 EVO and AR5 platforms. Integration is where the factory comes together. The airframe, electronics, propulsion, payloads and comms hardware all converge in your cell. You will own the system‑level build, the functional and acceptance test, the calibration and alignment of payloads, and the configuration record that goes to the customer. You will be the last set of hands and eyes on every aircraft that leaves the Swindon site.

In parallel, you will work hand‑in‑glove with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering and the Tekever Portugal manufacturing organisation to industrialise the AR3, AR3 EVO and AR5 platforms in the UK — turning today’s prototype‑stage and low‑rate‑production integration 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 team leaders, removing blockers, driving yield, and working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and the customer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cell setup and build: Lead the design, build and commissioning of the integration and test cell at the Swindon site — layout, flow, workstations, test bays, payload alignment areas, ESD‑protected zones, storage and material presentation. Specify, source and commission the equipment, tooling, fixtures, test rigs and ground support equipment 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, test procedures 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 integration and test team from the ground up — integration technicians, test engineers, 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 system integration and acceptance test from prototype and low‑rate production into volume manufacture. Partner with the Tekever Portugal manufacturing organisation to transfer proven AR3 and AR5 integration, test, calibration and acceptance processes 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.
• Integration, test and acceptance delivery: Once the cell is operational, own the daily, weekly and monthly output of flight‑ready platforms against the production plan; deliver to schedule, to quality and to cost. Own end‑to‑end system integration: mechanical mating of airframe, electronics, propulsion and payloads; harness routing and termination; bonding and grounding; torque controlled assembly. Own functional, environmental and acceptance test execution; ensure test results, calibration data and as‑built records are captured accurately against every airframe’s configuration baseline. Host customer representatives on site for Factory Acceptance Tests and final aircraft acceptance; represent Tekever credibly with UK MoD, Home Office and allied customer teams. Run a structured shift / day‑start routine with clear KPIs: safety, quality, delivery, cost, people. Identify, upscale and resolve constraints in real time; work with Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain and the upstream cells (electronics, structures) to keep aircraft flowing through final integration.
• Quality, configuration and process control: Ensure all integration and test activity is delivered within the AS9100 quality system and against applicable customer specifications. Own torque control, bonding/grounding control, ESD control, calibration control, process control plans, work instructions and standard work for the area; ensure they are followed and kept current. Own the integrity of the as‑built record and configuration baseline for every aircraft leaving the cell. 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, test re‑run rate, rework and defect rates.
• Continuous improvement: Own and drive the lean operating system in the integration and test 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, test data and quality data.
• Health, safety and compliance: Hold ultimate accountability for the safety of every person working in the integration and test area. Ensure full compliance with UK health and safety legislation, COSHH, ESD control, battery handling, lifting operations and Tekever site procedures. Ensure full compliance with the security and export‑control requirements applicable to defence systems integration, including any customer‑or‑programme‑specific handling instructions when customer representatives are on site.

Essential – What You’ll Bring:

• Significant experience leading system integration and test teams in a regulated, engineered‑product environment — aerospace, defence, automotive, complex electronics or similar.
• Demonstrable track record of standing up a new integration or final‑assembly 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 mechanical and electrical integration, harness routing and termination, torque‑controlled assembly, bonding and grounding, and system functional / acceptance test.
• Practical experience hosting customer representatives for Factory Acceptance Tests and final aircraft / product acceptance.
• 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) and configuration management discipline.
• Confident with ERP / MES systems, test data systems and shop‑floor data.
• Eligible for UK SC clearance. Must be eligible for BPSS from day one.

Desirable:

• Experience in UAS, fixed‑wing or rotary aircraft integration, or aerospace final assembly.
• Experience commissioning a new factory, cell or line as part of a major capacity expansion or technology transfer.
• Experience integrating EO/IR, SAR, RF or comms payloads onto airborne platforms.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction from prototype through to serial production.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or above.
• Engineering or technical qualification (HNC / HND / Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or related discipline) — or equivalent demonstrated experience.

What We Offer:

• 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.