Production Lead

Archangel Lightworks is aconnectivitycompany building wireless technology to create the space-enabled networks of the future.Werepassionate about improving humanitys communications infrastructure and solving some of Earths most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change.Our start-up is afast-paced andsupportive environment,where youcanmake your mark as part of a growing teamandwork on thecutting-edgeof innovation.Werelooking foraProductionLeadtojoin ourexperienced engineering team and deliver transformativelasercommunications technology.You willbe responsible forbuilding 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:Establishthe 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 experienceExpected to have demonstrated experience transitioning from product to serial production, ideally in a startup environmentExperience establishing and scaling manufacturing operations, including facilities, production processes, tooling, equipment, and workforce developmentStrong knowledge of manufacturing planning, capacity planning, resource planning, and production schedulingExperience implementing manufacturing documentation systems including work instructions, assembly procedures, manufacturing records, and configuration controlProven track record of developing and managing supplier and contract manufacturing relationshipsExperience establishing and maintaining quality management and production assurance processesAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced startup or scale-up environment with evolving prioritiesExperience managing production risks, schedules, and delivery commitmentsExcellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Desirable additional skills:Experience within photonics, optics, laser systems, free-space optical communications, telecommunications, aerospace, defense, or satellite industriesExperience supporting low-volume/high-complexity production environmentsExperience building teams during periods of rapid company growthAbility to collaborate closely with R&D, systems engineering, procurement, and customer-facing teams.Location: Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. There will be opportunity to work from home as agreed with your line manager.Compensation & Perks:The opportunity to make a difference building cutting edge technology to support a world-changing visionOptions for hybrid working and custom arrangements that matter to you25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidaysEquity options in a growing start-upInvestment in you to help you grow, with training resources and budgetSupportive team culture with high levels of ownership and responsibilityRegular socials and weekly team lunchVariety of additional perks including learning and wellbeing app subscriptions.We recognise that many candidates use AI tools when applying. Please ensure your application reflects your own experience, skills, and thinking. We assess applications based on authenticity and accuracy, so anything generated with AI should be reviewed, personalised, and representative of you.TPBN1_UKTJ