Production Lead

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 a Production Lead to join our experienced engineering team and deliver transformative laser communications technology. You will be responsible for building and leading the Production/Manufacturing function to transition Archangel Lightworks free space optical communication products from prototype/first article to serial production for delivery to internal and external customers.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Build & lead the production function: Establish the production function including facilities, team hiring and leadership, production layout, tooling, equipment, processes, production documentation, team structure, and supply chain development to support production
• Own repeat manufacturing of products: Own of the manufacturing, assembly, integration, alignment, calibration, and test of deployable optical ground station products
• Own production planning and delivery: Own the production schedules, resource plans, capacity plans to ensure we deliver to customers on time
• Establish & champion end-to-end quality control and production assurance: Establish production quality control processes necessary to ensure the quality of products delivered to customers.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years' experience
• Expected to have demonstrated experience transitioning from product to serial production, ideally in a startup environment
• Experience establishing and scaling manufacturing operations, including facilities, production processes, tooling, equipment, and workforce development
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing planning, capacity planning, resource planning, and production scheduling
• Experience implementing manufacturing documentation systems including work instructions, assembly procedures, manufacturing records, and configuration control
• Proven track record of developing and managing supplier and contract manufacturing relationships
• Experience establishing and maintaining quality management and production assurance processes
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced startup or scale-up environment with evolving priorities
• Experience managing production risks, schedules, and delivery commitments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable additional skills:

• Experience within photonics, optics, laser systems, free-space optical communications, telecommunications, aerospace, defense, or satellite industries
• Experience supporting low-volume/high-complexity production environments
• Experience building teams during periods of rapid company growth
• Ability to collaborate closely with R&D, systems engineering, procurement, and customer-facing teams.

Location: This is an on-site role, our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. There may be opportunity for periodic business travel.

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.