Production Team Leader

SYOS Aerospace; Fareham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

SYOS is seeking a hands-on Production Team Leader to supervise assembly, installation and integration of autonomous maritime vessels. You will lead technicians and fitters, coordinate workflows and collaborate with Engineering, Software and Quality teams to meet safety and quality standards.

The role requires strong leadership, deep experience in electrical/mechanical assembly, and a passion for improving production processes through Lean practices.

Qualifications

• At least five years' experience in electrical or mechanical assembly, integration and quality assurance, including team leadership.
• Experience in a production or assembly environment with supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience in maritime, aerospace, industrial, or related engineering sectors.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and/or mechanical systems, hydraulics, and propulsion technologies.
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing in a production setting.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management processes.
• Experience with software testing and quality assurance methodologies.
• Electrical or mechanical apprenticeship or equivalent practical training.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in fast-paced production environments.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Excellent communication skills with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the production team of technicians and fitters, allocating work and driving a safety-focused culture.
• Coordinate assembly, installation and integration activities to meet schedules and quality targets.
• Ensure electrical and mechanical systems are built to engineering drawings and maritime standards.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Software and Quality teams to resolve issues.
• Maintain quality and safety through ISO 9001 procedures and health & safety rules.
• Drive Lean manufacturing using 5S, Kaizen and value stream mapping to reduce waste.
• Lead daily SQCDP meetings and monitor progress to improve productivity, quality and delivery.

Skills

Electrical assembly

Mechanical assembly

Team leadership

Lean manufacturing

ISO 9001

Engineering drawings

Education

Apprenticeship in electrical or mechanical engineering

Job description

Build the Future of Autonomous Systems

S YOS designs and manufactures advanced uncrewed systems across air, land, sea and subsurface. We combine intelligent engineering, AI-driven autonomy and innovative design to create next-generation vehicles operating in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Our mission is to extend human capability, protect people and deliver operational advantage through accessible, scalable and intelligent autonomous technology.

We're looking for a Production Team Leader to lead our assembly team and help bring the next generation of autonomous maritime systems to life.

About the role

As Production Team Leader, you'll supervise and coordinate the electrical and mechanical assembly, installation and integration of autonomous maritime vessels, ensuring production activities meet engineering specifications, quality standards and project deadlines.

You'll lead a team of technicians and fitters, coordinate daily workloads and work closely with Engineering, Software and Quality teams to keep production running safely and efficiently.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who understands complex assembly environments, enjoys developing people and is passionate about improving production processes through Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

What you'll be doing

• Lead and develop the team: Supervise technicians and fitters, allocate work, monitor progress, provide technical guidance and build a collaborative, safety-focused team culture.
• Manage production delivery: Coordinate assembly, installation and integration activities to meet production schedules, quality expectations and project milestones.
• Oversee assembly and integration: Ensure electrical and mechanical systems are assembled in line with engineering drawings, specifications and applicable maritime standards.
• Coordinate cross‑functional activities: Work closely with Engineering, Software and Quality Engineering teams to resolve issues and support successful system integration.
• Maintain quality and safety: Ensure compliance with quality procedures, ISO 9001 principles, health and safety requirements, and the SYOS Quality Management System.
• Drive Lean manufacturing: Apply methods such as 5S, Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping to reduce waste, improve workflows and increase production efficiency.
• Monitor performance and continuous improvement: Lead daily SQCDP meetings, track team progress, report on production performance and implement improvements to productivity, quality and delivery.

What we're looking for

We're looking for an experienced production professional who combines strong technical knowledge with proven team leadership and a practical, improvement-focused mindset. You'll ideally have:

• At least five years' experience in electrical or mechanical assembly, integration and quality assurance, including team leadership.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a production or assembly environment.
• Experience within the maritime, aerospace, industrial or related engineering sectors.
• Strong understanding of electrical and/or mechanical systems, hydraulics and propulsion technologies.
• Experience implementing Lean manufacturing principles in a production environment.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and quality management processes.
• Experience with software testing and quality assurance methodologies.
• An electrical or mechanical apprenticeship, or equivalent practical technical training.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced production environment.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both technical teams and wider business stakeholders.

It would be advantageous if you also have:

• Experience with 5S methodology, ideally with Green Belt training.
• Experience writing technical documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable maritime or aerospace standards and safety regulations.
• Experience coordinating complex assembly, integration or testing activities.

Why join SYOS?

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in a growing autonomous technology business, helping build the production capability behind advanced maritime systems. You'll work alongside talented engineers, technicians and technical specialists, playing a direct role in turning innovative designs into reliable, operational products.

At SYOS, we're grounded, ambitious and here to make an impact. We value people who take ownership, move with pace, support their teammates and continuously look for better ways to work.

If you're a hands‑on production leader who enjoys developing people, solving technical challenges and delivering high‑quality results, we'd love to hear from you.