Production Lead

About the role

Archangel Lightworks is seeking a Production Lead to build and manage the manufacturing function for its deployable optical ground station products. You will guide the transition from prototype to serial production, ensuring timely delivery to both internal and external customers.

Key responsibilities

• Establish the production function, including facilities, team hiring, layout, tooling, equipment, processes, documentation, and supply chain.
• Own repeat manufacturing, assembly, integration, alignment, calibration, and testing of optical ground station products.
• Develop and manage production schedules, resource plans, and capacity plans to meet delivery commitments.
• Implement end‑to‑end quality control and production assurance processes.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing, with proven transition from product to serial production, preferably in a startup.
• Experience establishing and scaling manufacturing operations, including facilities, tooling, equipment, and workforce development.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing planning, capacity planning, resource planning, and production scheduling.
• Track record of implementing manufacturing documentation systems and managing supplier/contract manufacturing relationships.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, manage production risks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Required skills

• Manufacturing planning
• Capacity planning
• Resource planning
• Production scheduling
• Manufacturing documentation systems
• Work instructions development
• Assembly procedures
• Manufacturing records management
• Configuration control
• Supplier relationship management
• Contract manufacturing management
• Quality management systems
• Production assurance
• Photonics
• Optics
• Laser systems
• Free‑space optical communications
• Telecommunications
• Aerospace
• Defense
• Satellite industry
• Low‑volume high‑complexity production

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on advanced optical systems supporting a world‑changing vision.
• Collaborative, transparent culture with strong cross‑functional links.
• Regular socials and weekly company lunches.
• Professional development within a specialist engineering field.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and equity options.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.