Manufacturing Specialist (Defence & Space)

SoCode Limited; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A defence and space manufacturing company is seeking a Manufacturing Specialist to expand manufacturing capabilities and integrate R&D with product development. The role is hybrid, requiring a minimum of three days in the office, with some travel involved. Ideal candidates will have strong knowledge of manufacturing methods and experience in a fast-paced environment, particularly with low-to-mid volume RF products.

Qualifications

• Experience with low-to-mid volume RF products is preferred.
• Familiarity with SMT processes is essential.
• Experience in the space sector is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver strategy to expand manufacturing capability.
• Drive processes using the latest technologies.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and technicians.

Skills

Strong knowledge of manufacturing methods and equipment

Confident communication

Experience in product development lifecycle

Detail-focused and analytical

Connections with supply chain partners

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Specialist (Defence & Space) – Great Chesterford, Essex | Full-time | Hybrid (min. 3 days in office)

£60,000 - £70,000 (Depending on experience)

The role focuses on complex electronic PCB assemblies and mechanical housings, covering everything from prototype to volume production, and aims to integrate manufacturing capability with R&D and product development offerings.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Head of Engineering. Office based in Great Chesterford (hybrid, minimum 3 days a week in-office). Some UK & international travel to clients, suppliers, and contract manufacturers.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver the strategy to expand manufacturing capability and link it into wider development services
• Drive processes forward, keeping the business aligned with the latest technologies and best practice
• Support DfMA and transfer-to-manufacture for low-to-mid volume products (including complex RF systems)
• Manage and coordinate supply chain partners and contract manufacturers in the UK and overseas
• Work closely with the Quality Manager to review supplier performance, resolve issues, and hold them accountable
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and technicians to deliver projects successfully

About You

• Confident communicator, able to work with engineers through to senior executives
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, consultancy-style environment with plenty of client interaction
• Experienced across the full product development lifecycle, ideally with low-to-mid volume RF products
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing methods and equipment, including SMT
• Well connected with supply chain partners and CMs in the UK and internationally
• Analytical, detail-focused, and confident in both mechanical and electronic design
• Bonus: Experience in the space sector (ESA / ECSS standards or flight model verification testing)