Head Of Production

Airbus S.A.S.; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Portsmouth seeks a Head of Digital Payload Production to oversee the manufacturing and testing of high-reliability electronic units for space applications. This role requires strong leadership skills, extensive experience in electronics manufacturing, and a commitment to quality and operational excellence. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and over 10 years of experience, with a focus on Lean methodologies and multidisciplinary team management. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual profit share

Contributory pension

Flexible working hours

Personalized development plan

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing, preferably in aerospace.
• Strong knowledge of environmental and functional testing for space-grade hardware.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team in production of space-grade electronic units.
• Oversee daily operations ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Drive planning and resource allocation to meet project milestones.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Lean/Continuous Improvement

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Industrial Engineering

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 complex projects in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.
• Awareness of potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity.

Benefits

• 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 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.
• 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).

Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions. 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. No monetary exchange will be requested in the recruitment process. We support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

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?