Production Lead

Archangel Lightworks is a connectivity company building wireless technology to create the space-enabled networks of the future. We’re 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’re 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 of 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

Compensation & Perks

• The opportunity to make a difference building cutting edge technology to support a world-changing vision
• 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.