At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled team in electronics assembly, testing, and repairs.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader focused on security and innovation.
- Benefits: 4-day work week, 28 days leave, employee discounts, and progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in manufacturing, strong communication, and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 28000 £ per year.
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents.
With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust.
Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
- Electronics Test Team Leader
- Thales – Crawley
At Thales, we innovate to make the world safer, more secure and more connected. We are looking for an experienced and supportive
Electronics Test Team Leader to lead a skilled team of assembly, test and repair professionals.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, enjoys developing others, and is passionate about delivering high-quality products while driving continuous improvement.
About the Role
As an Electronics Test Team Leader, you will lead a cell of assembly and test/repair technicians responsible for the manufacture and repair of customer and developmental products.
Working closely with the APRU/Cell Manager, you will support planning activities, coordinate workloads, and ensure the team consistently delivers against quality, cost and delivery targets.
You will play a key role in creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture, ensuring processes are followed, standards are maintained, and team members are supported to achieve their full potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and support a team of assembly and test/repair personnel.
- Ensure production and repair activities flow efficiently between operations to achieve delivery plans.
- Support the resolution and escalation of operational issues impacting quality, cost and delivery objectives.
- Promote and ensure adherence to manufacturing processes, work instructions, routing requirements and material flow procedures.
- Support and contribute to effective daily SIM meetings.
- Ensure accurate completion of production documentation, route cards, timesheets and non-conformance reporting.
- Act as a point of contact for process and paperwork queries, providing guidance and education to team members.
- Drive workplace organisation and workplace management standards.
- Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and employee involvement.
- Take ownership of project and product deliveries, ensuring work is completed within planned routing times.
- Build strong working relationships and communicate effectively across functions and teams.
- Contribute to estimating activities for new builds and repairs.
- Support performance and development conversations, helping individuals achieve their career goals.
- Identify skills gaps and training requirements within the team.
- Contribute to load and capacity planning activities.
- Ensure tooling and test equipment are available, maintained and calibrated.
What We're Looking For
Skills & Knowledge
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage confidently with colleagues at all levels.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital systems.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
- Experience leading, motivating and supporting teams.
Experience
- Experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of MRP/PDM system principles.
- Knowledge of manufacturing methods and best practices.
- Experience of managing workloads and delivering against operational targets.
Qualifications
- Good standard of general education.
- Relevant professional qualifications or equivalent practical experience.
- At least 3 years of relevant industry experience.
Why Join Thales?
At Thales, we value diverse perspectives and believe that innovation thrives when people feel supported, respected and empowered.
We actively encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups, even if you don't meet every requirement listed.
If you're excited about the opportunity and believe you can make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
- What We Can Offer
- 4 Day Working Week
- Pension Scheme
- 28 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Life Cover
- Progression and Development Opportunities
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and access to a mental wellbeing app
- Employee Discount Shopping Schemes on Major Brands and Retailers
- #LI-AH1
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all.
The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.
Read more about our benefits here.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.
Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities.
Join the Talent Community here.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
Electronics Test Team Leader in Crawley employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Crawley where innovation meets social responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to market-leading training and mentorship from industry experts, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare, a robust pension plan, and opportunities for career advancement within a diverse global organisation. Join us to contribute to cutting-edge projects in defence and aerospace while enjoying a supportive culture that values your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electronics Test Team Leader in Crawley
✨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 Thales, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Electronics Test Team Leader in Crawley
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 Thales 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 Thales
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Thales, 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 Thales 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.
