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, Airbus Leadership University 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 (#ZEROe) to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change?

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.

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.

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 any adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition under the Equality Act 2010 and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To ‘opt in’, just select the option during your application submission and your application will be considered accordingly.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [email protected].

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.