About Archangel Lightworks
Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company building wireless technology. Founded in 2017, we believe that laser communications to and from satellites is a key component of next-generation infrastructure. Our core product, the TERRA-M, is a deployable optical ground station with proven capability for space - ground data transfer.
Our team develops and operates products that advance the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure. We value compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership and integrity. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can contribute to novel technology with meaningful applications like reducing the Digital Divide.
Archangel Lightworks recently closed over £10 million of investment in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. Our company is also supported by the UK Space Agency, the UK’s Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the UK Ministry of Defence.
About the job
We’re looking for electrical, optical or mechanical Production Engineers to join our experienced engineering team and help deliver transformative laser communications technology.
You will support the serial production, assembly, integration, and testing of Archangel Lightworks' TERRA-M Optical Ground Station products and associated subsystems.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Assembly, Integration, and Testing: Assemble and test subsystems and support system level integration and testing of optical ground stations in at least one of the following domains: Electrical & Mechanical Systems, Optical Systems
- Manufacturing and Parts Handling: Manufacture and assemble mechanical parts, utilize 3D printing, and test/accept outsourced components, maintaining inventory
- Process Management: Champion build quality and comprehensive process documentation; partner with the engineering team to refine manufacturing workflows, eliminate waste, minimize downtime, and maximize output efficiency
- Supply Chain Support: Manage ordering and oversee outsourced components
- System Deployment: Support field maintenance, as well as deployment and installation of new systems (including international travel as needed)
- Quality: Inspect incoming parts and ensure defined quality standards and customer requirements are consistently met
- Documentation: Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure all processes comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations
- Change Control: Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) where applicable.
Requirements:
- 5 years of commercial Production/Manufacturing Experience
- Expected to have directly relevant experience assembling, integrating and testing systems/subsystems in at least one of relevant domain (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical)
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently in a hands-on lab environment
- High level of troubleshooting skills
- Willingness to travel abroad.
Desirable additional skills:
- Experience working with CAD tools like SolidWorks and RapidHarness
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems
- Basic PCB layout experience
- Knowledge of satellite communications (SATCOM) and ground segment infrastructure
- Familiarity with environmental and field-deployed systems operating in challenging outdoor conditions
- Experience supporting the transition from prototype development to serial production
- Experience working in a startup or rapidly growing technology company.
Location: Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. This is an on-site role. You may be required to travel for business as needed.
What we offer:
- Opportunity to work on advanced optical systems to support a world-changing vision
- A collaborative and transparent culture with strong links between functions
- Regular socials and weekly company lunch
- Professional development and skills growth within a specialist engineering field
- Competitive salary and benefits package, with equity options in a growing start-up
- 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays
Archangel Lightworks is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. If you need any assistance or accommodation to complete your application or assessment, please contact us through the application form.
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.
Skills Required
- 5 years of commercial Production/Manufacturing experience
- Direct experience assembling, integrating, and testing systems/subsystems in Mechanical, Electrical, or Optical domains
- Proactive, detail-oriented, capable of working independently in a hands-on lab environment
- High level of troubleshooting skills
- Willingness to travel abroad/international travel as needed
- Ability to work on-site in Osney Mead, Oxford
- Experience with CAD tools like SolidWorks and RapidHarness
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems
- Basic PCB layout experience
- Knowledge of satellite communications (SATCOM) and ground segment infrastructure
- Familiarity with environmental and field-deployed systems operating in challenging outdoor conditions
- Experience supporting transition from prototype development to serial production
- Experience working in a startup or rapidly growing technology company
What We Do
Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company building high-volume, secure, wireless technology to create the space-enabled networks of the future. Today, space and terrestrial networks are not well-connected leading to insecure, insufficient, and vulnerable infrastructure. Nearly 3 billion people are unconnected and many more are under-connected. Subsea cables, which form the backbone of global network infrastructure, are at risk from climate disaster and bad actors. Links between satellites, which offer an opportunity for resilient connectivity, and the ground are reliant on radio, which is bandwidth constrained, finite and not secure. Archangel Lightworks was set up to solve the space-ground connectivity problem. Wireless laser communications (lasercom) technology offers new solutions; however, adoption of the technology has been slow due to availability concerns, lack of interoperability standards, difficulties associated with lasercom on the move, and high production costs. Our tech solves these problems. We are driving down the size, weight, power & cost (SWaP-C) of optical ground equipment to make space-ground lasercom available and affordable. Our core product, TERRA-M is a miniature optical ground station which is approximately the size of a mini fridge. Compared to traditional networks such as radio, the TERRA-M allows more licence-free data transferred at low probability of detection (LPD) and low probability of interception (LPI). TERRA-M brings deployable, resilient connectivity to wherever it is needed, solving some of Earth’s most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change. Archangel Lightworks is based in Oxford, UK and Archangel Lightworks USA is based in Orlando, Florida.
