Drive Transformation. Lead Innovation. Shape the Future of Advanced Manufacturing.

Are you a dynamic engineering leader ready to influence the future of high‑reliability manufacturing? Do you thrive in technical environments where innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement are the norm?

We’re seeking a Production Engineering & Test Manager to lead a highly skilled engineering function and deliver our ambitious engineering strategy. This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of our manufacturing operations.

About the Role

You will head up our Production Engineering & Test team – driving technical excellence, improving process performance, and embedding smart, scalable solutions across our manufacturing environment.

You will:

• Build robust, efficient production flow lines
• Lead lean and digital transformation
• Introduce AI-enabled tools that elevate decision-making, productivity, and quality
• Ensure our engineering and test practices meet the highest standards of aerospace and high-reliability manufacturing

What You’ll Be Doing

Operational Excellence

• Lead the team to deliver across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Service KPIs
• Optimise production flow, reduce waste, and strengthen process discipline
• Apply structured lean methodologies – VSM, 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, SMED, visual management
• Own complex root-cause investigations (8D, FMEA, SPC, Fishbone)
• Drive improvements in yield, cycle time, reliability, and cost efficiency
• Develop engineering roadmaps aligned with long-term business strategy

Digital & AI Transformation

• Champion the adoption of digital solutions and AI technologies
• Deliver improvements in predictive maintenance, automated inspection, yield modelling, and capacity planning

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure processes meet AS9100 and high-reliability aerospace standards
• Improve documentation, configuration control, and engineering governance

Technical Leadership

• Lead engineering strategy for key products and processes throughout the lifecycle
• Deliver capital investments, automation upgrades, and equipment capability improvements

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering team, driving performance accountability
• Build capability and resilience through structured development and succession planning
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and proactive problem‑solving

Cross‑Functional Influence

• Work collaboratively with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, and Programme teams
• Support smooth transitions from NPI into volume production

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• Degree in an Engineering discipline
• 2–5+ years in Production or Manufacturing Engineering (or relevant technical leadership)
• Hands-on leadership of engineering teams
• Strong AS9100 and regulated manufacturing knowledge
• Experience with high-reliability microelectronics production
• Demonstrated lean manufacturing experience
• Exposure to digital manufacturing or data analytics

Desirable

• Experience with MCM, Thick Film Hybrid or PCBA technologies
• Experience implementing AI or advanced analytics
• Capital equipment specification and commissioning

Competencies

• Strong, decisive leadership
• Excellent problem-solving and RCA capability
• Strategic mindset with a disciplined, structured approach
• Skilled communicator with confident stakeholder management
• Commercial awareness and cost discipline
• Ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities

Other Requirements

• Ability to obtain SC clearance
• Willingness to travel as required

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to shape the engineering vision, coach talented engineers, and deliver real, measurable performance improvement across the business.

What We Can Offer You

• Flexible working practices – we work a 9-day fortnight, offer flexitime, and work a half day Friday
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option to buy up to 5 additional days
• Private healthcare
• Health cash plan – cash back for everyday health expenses
• Additional benefits including access to 24/7 remote GP services, physiotherapy consultations and gym discounts
• Pension scheme with 6% employer contributions
• Life assurance – 4 x annual salary
• Reward and recognition platform
• Discount platform – retail, leisure, gym discounts and more
• Employee assistance programme with access to confidential counselling services
• Support for further training and education
• Relocation assistance up to £8,000 if you relocate to take up a position with us

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Third-Party Recruiters

Please note, that per Spectrum Control Policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening and in alignment with our values and expectations. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Spectrum Control will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity. If you or your agency are interested in becoming an approved vendor please contact scirecruiting@am.spectrumcontrol.com.