Head Of Production

***
* Job Description:

****** SECURITY CLEARANCE:
** Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance
** TRAVEL REQUIRED**:
Occasional travel within UK / and international
** LOCATION**:
Portsmouth
** TYPE:
** Full time
** WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU**
* ** Financial Reward**:
Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
* ** Work / Life Balance**: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours and Friday afternoons off, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL, option to buy/sell holiday (AP+)
* ** Personal Development**:
Personalised development plan, and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
* ** Health & Wellbeing**:
Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates
* ** Family and Caregiving**:
Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave
* ** Inclusive Environment**:
Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)
Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight () to ,The Head of Digital Payload Production (TSEDP) is responsible for leading all activities related to the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of high-reliability electronic units for space applications. This role ensures that products meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and traceability required for space missions, while driving operational excellence, continuous improvement and team development.
** HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM
*** Provide strong and visible leadership to a multidisciplinary team including production technicians, manufacturing engineers, test engineers, and operators.
* Oversee daily operations of the production line for space-grade electronic units (PCB assembly, integration, harnessing, mechanical assembly).
* Ensure compliance with applicable space industry standards (ECSS, NASA, IPC, etc.).
* Drive planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet project milestones and delivery commitments.
* Support the HO Manufacturing Engineering team in defining, optimising, and maintaining production processes, work instructions, and tooling.
* Develop and improve manufacturing flows to increase efficiency, reliability, and repeatability.
* Accountable for the deliveries of the test engineering teams responsible for developing test procedures, test software, and test sites.
* Accountable for the successful preparation and execution of Functional testing and Environmental testing (Vibration, Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC))
* Ensure full adherence to quality, safety, and space-level reliability standards.
* Lead initiatives focused on Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and digitalization.
** ABOUT YOU
*** Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
* 10+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing, preferably in aerospace or other high-reliability sectors.
* Strong knowledge of environmental and functional testing for space-grade hardware.
* Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary engineering and production teams.
* Experience with Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies.
* Familiarity with ECSS standards, space qualification processes, and cleanroom production.
* Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to manage/apprehend complex projects in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.
** HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU
** Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request. Please let us know if you need us to make…